Colin Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5 Picks: NFL Week 18 in 2025

Cowherd went 2-3 last week and ended with a 3-2 for these week 18 picks, ended the year with a solid 58.4% record.

Below are the picks for week 18

Blazing 5 Record

2025 Season: 52-37-1 (58.4%)

Week 1: 3-2
Week 2: 2-3
Week 3: 1-4
Week 4: 3-2
Week 5: 3-2
Week 6: 4-1
Week 7: 4-1
Week 8: 4-1
Week 9: 2-3
Week 10: 3-2
Week 11: 5-0
Week 12: 2-3
Week 13: 2-3
Week 14: 3-2
Week 15: 2-3
Week 16: 4-0-1
Week 17: 2-3
Week 18: 3-2

Past Records

2025: 52-37-1 (58.4%)
2024: 30-47-2 (39.0%)
2023: 45-35-5 (56.3%)
2022: 44-37-4 (54.3%)
2021: 39-47 (45.3%)
2020: 40-42-2 (48.8%)
2019: 42-41-3 (50.6%)
2018: 43-33-2 (57.7%)
2017: 43-29-3 (59.7%)
2016: 44-33-3 (57.1%)

Colin Cowherd Week 18 2025 Blazing 5

Seahawks -1.5 at 49ers
Bengals -7.5 points vs Browns
Bears -2.5 vs Lions
Rams -7.5 points vs Cardinals
Steelers +3.5 points vs Ravens

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (Seahawks -1.5)

This is a winner-take-all game for the number one seed, and the matchup favors Seattle. The Seahawks have won 10 of their last 11 games, with their only loss coming by two points on the road against the Rams. They have been excellent away from home all season, often looking more comfortable on the road than in Seattle.

Sam Darnold has been a major factor here. He is 5–1 against former teams and is playing behind a younger, deeper, and more athletic roster. Jackson Smith-Njigba has gone back-to-back 100-yard games and matches up well against a San Francisco secondary that has been inconsistent and vulnerable, as evidenced by recent performances.

San Francisco is on short rest and has struggled against quality opponents, sitting at 1–3 against the Rams, Texans, and Jaguars. The defense simply has not held up, and Seattle’s ability to control time of possession should keep this game tight but tilted their way. Swallowing the small number makes sense.

Projected score: Seahawks 27, 49ers 23

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals (Bengals -7.5 points)

Cincinnati has quietly been one of the hottest teams in the league. They are coming off back-to-back dominant 20-point wins and have allowed Joe Burrow to play clean, efficient football without turnovers in consecutive games. Over their last five contests, the Bengals have topped 30 points four times.

Burrow has always been at his best in December and January, and this stretch fits that pattern. Even without playoff implications, Cincinnati is playing with urgency and pride, which matters late in the season when some teams fade.

Cleveland, meanwhile, is trending the wrong direction. The offense has become turnover-prone, and the quarterback situation is a major concern. Shadur Sanders has thrown seven interceptions over his last three games, and key offensive pieces, especially at tight end, are banged up or unavailable. This quarterback mismatch is significant, and it favors Cincinnati decisively.

Projected score: Bengals 30, Browns 21

Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears (Bears -2.5)

Chicago has turned Soldier Field into a real advantage. The Bears have won six straight home games and boast the third-ranked rushing offense in the league. That directly attacks Detroit’s biggest weakness, as the Lions have allowed over 150 rushing yards in three consecutive games.

Caleb Williams has consistently looked more comfortable at home, dating back to last season. Chicago’s ability to run the ball sets up play-action opportunities and keeps Williams in favorable situations. This is a matchup where the Bears can dictate tempo from the opening drive.

Detroit’s motivation is also questionable. With a defense ranked 23rd and issues stopping the run, this sets up poorly against a Bears team that wants to play physical, controlled football. Chicago’s strengths align perfectly with Detroit’s weaknesses.

Projected score: Bears 28, Lions 24

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams (Rams -7.5 points)

This is a clear get-right spot for Los Angeles. Sean McVay was visibly frustrated after the loss to Atlanta and made it clear the starters would play. The Rams have outgained opponents in six straight games and are 12–1 this season when committing one or fewer turnovers.

Arizona is in free fall. The Cardinals have lost eight straight games, with five of those losses coming in blowout fashion. Since Week 10, they rank dead last in scoring defense, and the overall effort level has dipped significantly.

This game comes down to protection. When Matthew Stafford is under pressure, the Rams are average. When he is comfortable, the offense hums. Against an Arizona defense that cannot generate stops or pressure, McVay should be able to open up the playbook and pour it on.

Projected score: Rams 31, Cardinals 20

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers (Steelers +3.5 points)

This matchup almost always comes down to one possession, and history backs that up. Ten of the last eleven meetings between these teams have been decided by a single score. Pittsburgh has won nine of the last eleven overall in this rivalry and continues to excel in situational football.

The Steelers protect the ball extremely well, sitting at plus 11 in turnover margin. Baltimore, despite having the more talented roster, has been sloppy. The Ravens have nine giveaways over their last five games, one of the worst stretches in the league.

Pittsburgh’s defense is opportunistic, and it would not be surprising to see a defensive touchdown or short-field score keep this game tight. Baltimore may ultimately have the better offense and pull it out late, but the hook is valuable in a matchup that rarely produces separation.

Projected score: Ravens 21, Steelers 20