Week 18 NFL Showdown: Playoff Spots and Seeding on the Line
The 2024 NFL regular season is reaching its thrilling conclusion as we head into Week 18. With two playoff spots still up for grabs and postseason seeding yet to be determined, this weekend promises to be a football fan’s dream. As we gear up for the final 16 games of the season, we’ve got all the information you need to stay informed and entertained.
Our NFL Nation reporters have broken down the keys to every game, while analytics writer Seth Walder has made bold predictions for each matchup. The ESPN Research team has provided a big stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest. Additionally, our Football Power Index (FPI) dives into the numbers with game projections and a look at the playoff picture. Fantasy analyst Eric Moody has identified fantasy football X factors, and three analysts — Kalyn Kahler, Moody, and Walder — have given us their final score picks for every game. Everything you need to know is right here to help you prepare for a jam-packed weekend of football.
Let’s dive into the full Week 18 slate, including a high-stakes matchup between the Vikings and Lions in game No. 272 of the season, along with the Broncos looking to sweep the Chiefs and secure a playoff spot. There are two games on Saturday, with the AFC North title on the line, and 14 more games on Sunday.
- Saturday Games:
- Browns (3-13) at Ravens (11-5)
- Bengals (8-8) at Steelers (10-6)
In the first game on Saturday, the Browns will face the Ravens. Myles Garrett, the Browns’ defensive end, is tied with Trey Hendrickson for the NFL lead with 14 sacks. Garrett has never finished a season as the sack leader, and in 13 games against the Ravens, he has 8.5 sacks, including 5.5 takedowns of quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens, on the other hand, can win their fourth AFC North title in the past seven seasons with a victory over the Browns. Lamar Jackson has a 4-0 career record in games played in Weeks 17 and 18, throwing 10 touchdown passes and one interception. The Ravens can clinch the AFC North and the No. 3 seed in the AFC with a win or tie, or a Steelers loss or tie against the Bengals.
In the second game, the Bengals will take on the Steelers. Cincinnati’s defense knows it can’t repeat its last performance against Pittsburgh, where they gave up 264 yards after the catch. The Steelers, meanwhile, are trying to break a three-game slide before starting postseason play. The Steelers can clinch the AFC North and the No. 3 seed in the AFC with a win and a Ravens loss against the Browns.
Moving on to Sunday, the Panthers will face the Falcons. The Panthers’ defense has struggled, giving up 551 yards and five touchdown passes last week against Tampa Bay. They’ll be facing an Atlanta team that had 423 yards, including 198 rushing, in a 38-20 victory in Charlotte earlier this season. All eyes will be on rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who will be making his third career start for the Falcons. The Falcons can clinch the NFC South with a win and a Buccaneers loss against the Saints.
In another Sunday matchup, the Commanders will take on the Cowboys. Dallas did a good job against Washington’s offense in their first meeting, holding quarterback Jayden Daniels to 81 passing yards and an interception in the first three quarters. The Commanders have a 73% chance of earning the No. 6 seed in the NFC, according to ESPN’s FPI. They can clinch the 6-seed with a win or a Packers loss against the Bears.
As we look at the Bears vs. Packers game, quarterback Caleb Williams is closing in on a record for most sacks taken in a rookie season. The Packers’ coach, Matt LaFleur, will be coaching his 100th regular-season game and has never lost to the Bears. The Packers can secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a win.
In the Texans vs. Titans matchup, the Texans have already secured the fourth seed in the playoffs, while the Titans are playing for draft position. The Titans have an 11.9% chance to earn the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, according to ESPN’s FPI.
In the Jaguars vs. Colts game, the Jaguars’ defensive ends, Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, have the chance to post 10 or more sacks in back-to-back seasons. The Colts’ running back, Jonathan Taylor, has been on a hot streak, averaging 136.5 rushing yards in his past four games.
In the Bills vs. Patriots game, the Bills are locked into the No. 2 seed in the AFC, while the Patriots are playing for the No. 1 pick in the draft. The Patriots have a 78% chance to earn the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, per ESPN’s FPI.
In the Giants vs. Eagles game, the Giants are looking to win their second straight season finale against an unmotivated Eagles team. The Giants have an 87.4% chance to have a top-five pick in April’s draft, according to ESPN’s FPI.
In the Saints vs. Buccaneers game, the Buccaneers can clinch the NFC South with a win or tie, or a Falcons loss or tie against the Panthers. Mike Evans is on the verge of tying Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
In the Chiefs vs. Broncos game, the Chiefs have clinched the AFC 1-seed, so Carson Wentz will start at quarterback. The Broncos can clinch a playoff berth with a win or tie, or a Bengals loss or tie against the Steelers, plus a Dolphins loss or tie against the Jets.
In the Chargers vs. Raiders game, the Chargers can clinch the No. 5 seed in the AFC with a win and a Steelers loss against the Bengals. The Raiders are looking to avoid going 0-6 in the AFC West for the first time since 2006.
In the Seahawks vs. Rams game, the Seahawks were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 17, but Geno Smith has $6 million on the line in the form of contract escalators. The Rams have clinched the NFC West and will rest Matthew Stafford, with Jimmy Garoppolo getting the start.
In the Dolphins vs. Jets game, the Dolphins are preparing as if Tyler Huntley will start at quarterback. The Dolphins can clinch a playoff berth with a win and a Broncos loss to the Chiefs. This could be Aaron Rodgers’ final game with the Jets or in the NFL.
In the 49ers vs. Cardinals game, Nick Bosa is pursuing a fourth straight season with double-digit sacks. Marvin Harrison Jr. is coming off one of his best games of the season and is 15 yards shy of passing his father for yards as a rookie.
Finally, in the Vikings vs. Lions game, both teams are vying for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The Lions have a chance to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win.
Originally Written by: NFL Nation
