NFL Week 18 O/U best bets: Unders abound in AFC North to close season

We've finally reached the last week of this crazy NFL regular season, and while only a handful of teams have anything at stake this weekend, that doesn't mean there isn't value on the totals. In fact, in some cases, there's an even greater edge.

Here are our best O/U plays for Week 18, featuring a trio of unders in a season chock-full of low-scoring contests.

I've been fading this Steelers offense seemingly every week for months now, and for good reason. Pittsburgh's managed just 18.8 points per game since Week 12 - the ninth-lowest mark in the NFL - behind a wholly ineffective passing game, which would otherwise be the best way to attack this beleaguered Ravens secondary.

Baltimore's offense hasn't been much better, scoring beween 10 and 21 points in seven of their last contests and averaging 19.1 points over that span. Lamar Jackson could return in a must-win spot for the Ravens, though if he isn't at full strength, that may not make much of a difference.

He'll have his hands full against a Steelers defense that held Baltimore to 19 points in their previous meeting. Conversely, expect the Ravens to come after Ben Roethlisberger in what's likely his last start with Pittsburgh and his farewell to this epic rivalry.

Pick: Under 41.5

We already knew that one quarterback wouldn't be playing in this matchup, with Baker Mayfield scheduled to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. Then we learned Wednesday that Joe Burrow will sit out of the Bengals' regular-season finale to rest ahead of the postseason.

Still, this total isn't low enough with two backup QBs and very little to play for on either side. These aren't exactly elite replacement options either: Case Keenum has posted a sub-36 QBR in each of his two campaigns in Cleveland, while Brandon Allen owns a career 56.7% completion percentage and has attempted five passes all season.

The Browns have been an easy under fade for weeks, putting up 17 or fewer points in nine of their last 13 games, while the Bengals will be without Burrow, running back Joe Mixon, and possibly more as they prepare for the playoffs. Nothing about this matchup suggests a high-scoring affair.

Pick: Under 38

Only one of these teams has anything to play for Sunday, but I don't expect either of them to crack the 25-point mark - if they're even fortunate enough to get to 20.

The Saints have done that just once in their last six games and have managed 17.6 points per game since losing starter Jameis Winston for the season - which includes a whopping 30 points in their past three contests combined. They've managed to stay afloat behind an elite defense that ranks fourth in DVOA and has held three of its last four opponents to 10 points or fewer.

Despite the Falcons' long-standing reputation as offensive juggernauts, this iteration ranks in the bottom seven in DVOA, points scored (18.3), and total yardage (306.7) per game. If Atlanta's offense struggles early, don't expect an inspired effort late from this eliminated team.

Pick: Under 40

C Jackson Cowart is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on Twitter (@CJacksonCowart) or email him at cjackson.cowart@thescore.com.

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