Washington vs. Giants Week 18 Picks: Who Will End Their Extended Losing Skid?

Can the New York Giants end the season with a win following five straight losses, or will the Washington Football Team bounce back from its equally ugly four-game skid? Read on our Washington-Giants picks.

Expectations were already low for New York this season. The Giants (6-10 against the spread) then suffered injuries all over the roster to exacerbate things and failed to remain competitive in the NFC East. They finish the 2021-22 campaign against Washington (6-9-1 ATS), which experienced a dip in play due to its own injuries and COVID-19-related absences at quarterback and running back. Washington always lacked depth at key positions, and the defense wasn't able to carry the team as it did a season ago.

Here are my picks and predictions for the NFL Week 18 matchup between Washington and the Giants (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence is based on a 1-to-5 star scale).

Washington vs. Giants Game Info

Date/Time: Sunday, Jan. 9, 1 p.m. ETTV: FOXLocation: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJWeather: 35 degrees, no rain

Washington vs. Giants Odds Analysis

This spread has taken an uncharacteristic - in the general sense - swing. It opened at Washington -3.5 and has since moved to -7 for the road team. The Giants are expected to turn to third-string quarterback Jake Fromm with Mike Glennon set to undergo season-ending wrist surgery. So, with things going from bad to worse, the Giants are now touchdown underdogs at home in the season finale.

The total opened at 40.5 but fell to 38 following the injury news. The weather could play a factor, but conditions should be as favorable as one can hope for at this point in the season. The wind may impact special teams, but the field should remain dry.

Washington vs. Giants Picks

Washington -7 (-106) ???Over 38 (-112) ??

SEE ALSO: NFL Week 18 Odds, Lines, and Picks

Washington vs. Giants Predictions

Washington -7 (-106)

Taylor Heinicke has struggled all season but will still be the best quarterback on the field in the season finale. The Giants will not only be onto their third starting signal-caller, but the offense will also likely be missing multiple key personnel. New York looks as though it's simply trying to finish the campaign.

On the other hand, Washington has something to prove in the season finale. A playoff team a year ago, Heinicke will want to finish strong and the defense will look to show it can be as dominant as was believed entering the season. The skill players should be ready to go, and Washington will be focused on ending its losing streak.

Predicting outcomes in the final week of the NFL season is often a dangerous game, but the usual issues - injuries and potential tanking for draft position - are unlikely to impact Washington.

Head coach Ron Rivera will be pushing his team to win, as is his nature, and the Giants face distractions with the future of their coaching staff. On top of that, they simply look like the worst team in the NFL.

Over 38 (-112)

The total is hard to judge when so many offensive weapons are out for this game. Still, I expect Washington will experience success against the thin Giants defense, and though Heinicke is inconsistent, he's capable of producing quality at times.

The real question is whether the Giants can score even 14 points, which feels like a lot to ask for from this team. A 24-14 game would put us right at the total, so New York needs to find a way to score two touchdowns - or kick a handful of field goals - to make this a reasonable bet; a daunting task at face value, but New York could find some more room to work if Washington takes an early commanding lead.

It certainly won't be efficient, but the Giants should scratch out the necessary number of points through a few chunk plays and some strong special teams efforts.

Keep an eye on the weather, though. If the forecast calls for more wind, rain, or snow, the Under is more likely to hit.

SEE ALSO: All picks and odds. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.

Washington-Giants picks made on 1/6/2022 at 1:41 p.m. ET.