The 2024 NFL regular season concluded dramatically during Week 18, with division championships and playoff spots on the line across the league. This final week not only shaped who would advance to the postseason but also showcased intense matchups leading to conclusive outcomes.
Saturday kicked off the decisive weekend when the Baltimore Ravens dominated the Cleveland Browns with a final score of 35-10, securing the AFC North title. This victory ensured they will enter the wild-card round as the number three seed, cementing their place against the Pittsburgh Steelers next week.
Sunday saw more thrilling action across the league. The Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) had already secured home-field advantage before their final matchup with the Denver Broncos, which they would lose. Nonetheless, their earlier successes allowed them to enjoy the weekend with the comfort of rest and preparation for the playoffs. The Buffalo Bills (13-4) also rested key players following their solid season.
The day’s play was monumental, particularly for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After enduring rough patches, the Buccaneers overcame the New Orleans Saints, winning 27-19. This victory not only reinstated them as the NFC South champions but also signified Baker Mayfield’s remarkable turnaround season. Mayfield ended the game with two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 41, and surpassed the 4,000-yard mark for the first time since departing Cleveland.
Across the field, the NFC playoff picture began to emerge clearly. The Detroit Lions faced the Minnesota Vikings later to settle the NFC North title, with significant stakes at play: the winner would grab the top spot and an invaluable first-round bye. With the Lions already perched at 14-2, they entered the game with momentum and high expectations.
Other noteworthy games of the day included the Washington Commanders’ clinching position against the Dallas Cowboys. Commanders secured their playoff ticket with a last-minute win, sealing the No. 6 seed and ensuring their matchup against the Buccaneers next week. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers, who unfortunately lost to the Chicago Bears 24-22, nailed down the final wild-card spot.
The AFC saw similar drama. The Denver Broncos (10-7) clinched the final playoff spot by overpowering the Kansas City Chiefs (38-0), effectively eliminating both the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins from post-season contention.
With all these results, the final playoff standings took shape. The AFC playoffs will kick off with the Chiefs having clinched the number one seed, followed by the Bills, Ravens, and Texans. The wild card spots were filled with the Chargers, Steelers, and Broncos rounding out the playoff field, setting up the matchups for next week’s opening playoff round.
Over in the NFC, the playoff picture showed the Lions securing the top seed, followed by the Eagles, Buccaneers, Rams, Vikings, Commanders, and Packers. Each team now prepares for the heightened competition of the postseason, knowing the stakes are high.
This year’s playoffs bring with them exciting matchups and compelling narratives. Teams like the Buccaneers, who appear reborn under Mayfield’s leadership, and the Ravens, aiming for their place deep within the playoffs, are expected to battle fiercely. Fans can anticipate nail-biting contests as the quest for Super Bowl 59 inches closer.
With eight teams officially eliminated from playoff contention, including the likes of Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins, Week 18 served as both the end of the road for some and the joyful beginning for others aiming for glory. Now, as the NFL gears up for the playoffs, energy and expectations soar, with every team eager to etch its name onto football’s grandest stage.