The final week of the NFL regular season, known as Week 18, promises to bring excitement as playoff spots hang in the balance and records are on the line. With several teams positioned either to clinch playoff berths or alter their seeding dramatically, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
With just one game left before the playoffs kick off, some teams have everything to play for, and others are more focused on avoiding injury than improving their standings. For fans and bettors alike, figuring out who will show up on the field can be quite the puzzle.
One of the most significant matchups this week features the Baltimore Ravens, who face the Cleveland Browns. If Baltimore snags a win, they’ll claim the AFC North title and secure the third seed for the playoffs. Conversely, if they lose and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals, the Ravens could drop to the fifth seed.
Interestingly, Baltimore enters the game as heavy favorites, with the betting line favoring them by nearly three touchdowns. Head coach John Harbaugh is likely to keep his starters on the field, with fans keeping their eyes peeled for star quarterback Lamar Jackson's performance. This finale serves as Jackson's chance to make his case for a potential third league MVP award, especially with Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen -300 to win it for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, the Bengals will be fighting tooth and nail against the Steelers; Cincinnati needs both to win and help from other teams, including the Chiefs and the Dolphins, if they hope to qualify for the postseason. Joe Burrow, who has been instrumental for the Bengals with four straight wins, will shoulder the pressure. But whether his efforts can clinch the last available playoff spot remains to be seen.
Switching to the AFC South, the Houston Texans are already locked in as the fourth seed but will likely still play their starters, according to head coach DeMeco Ryans, albeit with less intensity. The Texans will face the Tennessee Titans, who ironically are vying for the coveted No. 1 pick for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, leaving the Titans with little incentive to compete hard.
The NFC also has teams locked and loaded for action, with the Philadelphia Eagles resting their starters, as they are guaranteed the No. 2 seed. This decision raised eyebrows since it meant foregoing opportunities for star running back Saquon Barkley to break the rushing record this season. For the New York Giants, they really need to lose this game to fortify their draft position.
Other teams with varying stakes include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who will take on the New Orleans Saints. A win will secure their spot as the NFC South champions, and they’ll be rooting hard for the Seahawks to take down the Rams, as this would secure the No. 3 seed for the playoffs.
Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans stands on the precipice of history himself as he needs just 85 yards to become the only player along with Jerry Rice to record 11 consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards. With the mechanics of this potential record-breaking feat hanging on this week’s game, teammate Tristan Wirfs expressed strong support, stating, “He’s done everything the right way, the type of person, the type of player… Why wouldn’t you want him to get something awesome?”
The playoffs are right around the corner, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for teams competing this week. With playoff spots and seeding hanging on the results of these pivotal matchups, unforgettable moments await as players give it their all. The end of the regular season brings excitement, tension, and the promise of thrilling playoff matchups just around the corner.