NFL
Week 18 NFL schedule: games, dates, kickoff times, playoff picture, key matchups
The games you need to look out for in the final round of the regular season, with five teams looking to seal playoff places.
The 2024 NFL regular season comes to an end on Sunday, January 6, by which date we will know the identities of all 14 teams that have qualified for the playoffs.
11 franchises (six in the AFC, five in the NFC) have already booked their postseason spots with a game to spare, although a further five (three in the AFC, two in the NFC) have everything to play for in week 18.
What games are being played in week 18?
Saturday, January 4
Browns @ Ravens, 4:30 p.m. ET
Bengals @ Steelers, 8:00 p.m. ET
Sunday, January 5
Panthers @ Falcons, 1:00 p.m. ET
Texans @ Titans, 1:00 p.m. ET
Giants @ Eagles, 1:00 p.m. ET
Jaguars @ Colts, 1:00 p.m. ET
Commanders @ Cowboys, 1:00 p.m. ET
Bears @ Packers, 1:00 p.m. ET
Saints @ Buccaneers, 1:00 p.m. ET
Bills @ Patriots, 1:00 p.m. ET
Chargers @ Raiders, 4:25 p.m. ET
49ers @ Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ET
Chiefs @ Broncos, 4:25 p.m. ET
Seahawks @ Rams, 4:25 p.m. ET
Dolphins @ Jets, 4:25 p.m. ET
Vikings @ Lions, 8:20 p.m. ET
Which teams have already clinched a place in the NFL playoff?
The 11 teams that have already secured their spots in the postseason are:
AFC: Chiefs, Bills, Ravens, Texans, Steelers, Chargers
NFC: Lions, Eagles, Rams, Vikings, Commanders, Packers
What are the key games in week 18?
Five teams are still fighting to secure a playoff place in week 18.
AFC
In the AFC, the Denver Broncos are in pole position to take the final wild-card spot and will face what is likely to be a weakened Kansas City Chiefs team at Empower Field at Mile High.
If the Broncos win, they’re in. If they don’t, the Miami Dolphins will take their spot provided they defeat the New York Jets. Should Denver and Miami both lose, the Cincinnati Bengals will be No. 7 seed if they defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers.
NFC
In the NFC, it’s a straight shootout between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons for both the final playoff spot and the NFC South title. The only way the Falcons can take it is if they defeat the Carolina Panthers and the Bucs lose to the New Orleans Saints. An other result, and Tampa takes it.
Who are the No. 1 seeds for the 2024 NFL playoffs?
As you’ll be accustomed to, the No. 1 seed in each conference skips the wild-card round, advancing directly to the divisional playoffs.
The Chiefs have already secured top spot in the AFC, so attention turns to the NFC and a winner-takes-all clash between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field late Sunday. Whichever team comes out on top will win the NFC and get a week’s rest before the divisional playoffs.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.