Picks for NFL Week 18: Season finisher spots on line for Steelers Foals Texans Bucs Bills

The Times’ NFL writer, Sam Farmer, examines this week’s matchups. Lines according to FanDuel Sportsbook (O/U = over/under). Last week’s record 10-6 (.625); season 153-103 (.598). Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, the record against the spread last week would have been 9-6-1 (.600); season 122-127-7 (.490). TV channels are for Los Angeles area. All times Pacific

The Ravens have the No. 1 seed locked up, so they’re going to rest players. The Steelers can run the ball and Mason Rudolph can throw it down the field. Steelers are incentivized but should be close

Playoff and division implications for both teams. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been so good for the Texans. This figures to be tight but Houston is pretty banged up and the home team is more experienced.

Both have a chance to win the NFC South, in the unlikely event that Tampa Bay loses. The Saints looked good last week with a solid defense and a turnover-free performance by Derek Carr.