NFL
What’s at stake for each NFL team in Week 18?
As we near the end of the NFL regular season in Week 18, it’s a perfect time to take a comprehensive look at the playoff picture across both the AFC and NFC.
Let’s begin with our predictions for how the playoff scenarios might unfold after the Week 18 action. We’ll examine the clinching scenarios for all teams, providing a rooting guide for fans eager to maximize their seeding potential. Moreover, we’ll explore some intriguing and complex scenarios that could transpire in the final week of NFL football.
AFC
Looking at the AFC playoff picture, the Ravens have already secured the top seed with a dominant win over the Dolphins. They’re followed by the Bills, who need a crucial win against the Dolphins to clinch the AFC East title. Now firmly in the third seed, the Chiefs will focus on their formidable defense in the postseason. With a record of 9-7, the Jaguars need a win against the Titans to secure a playoff spot.
AFC Playoff Picture:
- Baltimore Ravens: 13-3 (Clinched #1 seed)
- Miami Dolphins: 11-5 (Clinched Playoff Spot)
- Kansas City Chiefs: 10-6 (Clinched AFC West)
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 9-7
- Cleveland Browns: 11-5 (Clinched Playoff Spot)
- Buffalo Bills: 10-6
- Indianapolis Colts: 9-7
- Houston Texans: 9-7
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-7
ELIMINATED:
- Denver Broncos: 8-8
- Cincinnati Bengals: 8-8
- Las Vegas Raiders: 7-9
- New York Jets: 6-10
- Tennessee Titans: 5-11
- Los Angeles Chargers: 5-11
- New England Patriots: 4-12
In the wild card, the Browns have clinched the fifth seed, and the Bills still need to secure their playoff berth while being a dark horse contender. The Colts, currently the seventh seed, have a pivotal game against the Texans that will determine their postseason fate. The Steelers, with Mason Rudolph leading the charge, have an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot if the Ravens rest their starters.
NFC
Shifting to the NFC, the 49ers have clinched the top seed, while the Cowboys aim to secure the second seed with a win or an Eagles loss. Despite a tough loss, the Lions still have a chance to move up in seeding. The Buccaneers need a win in Carolina to lock up the NFC South. The Eagles, once dominant, are now reeling but still alive for the playoffs. The Rams have clinched a playoff spot and can be either the sixth or seventh seed.
Various scenarios could unfold in the NFC, including the Eagles winning the NFC East if they beat the Giants and the Cowboys lose. The Saints could clinch the NFC South by beating the Falcons and the Panthers, upsetting the Buccaneers. Intriguingly, the Vikings could make the playoffs in a complex five-way tiebreaker scenario at 8-9.
NFC Playoff Picture:
- San Francisco 49ers: 12-4 (Clinched #1 seed)
- Dallas Cowboys: 11-5 (Clinched Playoff Spot)
- Detroit Lions: 11-5 (Clinched NFC North)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8-8
- Philadelphia Eagles: 11-5 (Clinched Playoff Spot)
- Los Angeles Rams: 9-7 (Clinched Playoff Spot)
- Green Bay Packers: 8-8
- Seattle Seahawks: 8-8
- New Orleans Saints: 8-8
- Minnesota Vikings: 7-9
- Atlanta Falcons: 7-9
ELIMINATED:
- Chicago Bears: 7-9
- New York Giants: 5-11
- Washington Commanders: 4-12
- Arizona Cardinals: 4-12
- Carolina Panthers: 2-14
In conclusion, as we approach the Week 18 games, the playoff picture is becoming clearer, and there’s still plenty of excitement and unpredictability in store for NFL fans.