The ultimate week of the 2024 NFL regular season is right here, and for some groups, there may be not a lot to play for resulting from already having their spot set within the playoffs, or worse, being knocked out of playoff rivalry.
Nonetheless, for different groups not on both finish of the spectrum, there may be the whole lot to play for, making this week a must-win state of affairs whereas additionally the remainder of the league.
Wanting on the present playoff image, there is just one obtainable playoff spot in each the AFC and NFC. In flip, 4 video games within the AFC and three video games within the NFC have playoff implications for 9 complete groups, whether or not it’s merely making the playoffs or seeding inside the bracket.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8, leaves the sector following an NFL soccer recreation in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photograph/Nick Wass)
Let’s dive into which groups and matchups to look at in Week 18, beginning with a possible deep playoff run squad within the AFC:
BALTIMORE RAVENS (vs. Cleveland Browns) – CLINCHED
Lamar Jackson and firm have already got their playoff spot locked in for 2024 with an 11-5 document, however the AFC North title continues to be on the road with the Pittsburgh Steelers (extra on them in a bit) sitting only one recreation behind them at 10-6.
So, with a win or tie for Baltimore, they’d win the division and lock up the No. 3 seed, which is an computerized residence recreation within the Wild Card Spherical. They’d additionally lock these up with a Steelers loss.
2024-25 NFL PLAYOFF ODDS: EVERY TEAM’S ODDS TO MAKE THE POSTSEASON
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (vs. Cincinnati Bengals) – CLINCHED
Just like the Ravens, the Steelers have already reached the playoffs as properly, however they need that No. 3 seed if they’ll get it.
Nonetheless, not like the Ravens, they are going to be going in opposition to a a lot more durable AFC North foe within the Bengals, who’re additionally gunning for an inconceivable spot within the postseason.
A slight benefit for the Steelers, although, is that the Ravens will likely be taking part in earlier within the day. So, they may know their state of affairs after they take the sector in opposition to Cincinnati. They’d clinch the division title with a win and a Baltimore loss.
Cincinnati Bengals broad receiver Ja’Marr Chase, #1, runs with a catch within the first quarter of the NFL Week 11 recreation between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (vs. Steelers)
On the opposite sideline on this recreation is a Bengals crew that has stayed alive with wins during the last 4 video games to present themselves an 8-8 and a shot at that remaining wild card slot.
A fifth straight win is paramount in the event that they want to attain that spot, however additionally they want issues to occur of their favor so as to be granted an opportunity on the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
After a win, the Bengals will want the Denver Broncos to lose and the Miami Dolphins to both lose or tie. Solely then can Joe Burrow and his squad of stars sneak into the playoffs.
DENVER BRONCOS (vs. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs)
The Chiefs have the No. 1 seed within the AFC etched in stone with their league-best 15-1 document, so they are going to be resting most of their starters on Sunday in preparation for the bye week and to make sure key gamers like Patrick Mahomes are wholesome for the Divisional Spherical.
For Bo Nix and the Broncos, nonetheless, they’ve the identical plan as they wanted a few weeks in the past: Win and in. The Broncos have misplaced two straight video games, which has saved groups just like the Bengals and Dolphins alive within the playoff hunt.
Can this 9-7 group led by their breakout rookie quarterback and stellar protection get Denver again into the postseason for the primary time since they received the Tremendous Bowl in 2015? They won’t be seeing the standard Chiefs, and they are going to be at residence to get the job finished.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, #10, throws throughout the first half of an NFL soccer recreation in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Seattle. (AP Photograph/John Froschauer)
MIAMI DOLPHINS (@ New York Jets)
Just like the Bengals, the Dolphins want some assist to make the playoffs, however Cincinnati doesn’t fall into these playing cards.
Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins might want to beat their AFC East rival at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and have somebody watch the Broncos-Chiefs matchup as a result of they may want a Denver loss together with their win to assert that remaining playoff spot.
DETROIT LIONS – MINNESOTA VIKINGS: FOR THE NFC NO. 1 SEED
That is maybe the most effective recreation that Week 18 has to supply NFL followers, as a result of the No. 1 seed within the NFC will likely be decided by who wins the NFC North.
Each the Lions and Vikings are 14-2, because the latter has ripped off a nine-game win streak and will likely be internet hosting the previous on “Sunday Night time Soccer” in a extremely anticipated bout between two squads that every would like to host each single playoff recreation apart from the Tremendous Bowl.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, #14, seems to be to throw in opposition to the Detroit Lions throughout the first half of an NFL soccer recreation on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in Minneapolis. (AP Photograph/Bruce Kluckhohn)
If that isn’t sufficient, the loser can be the No. 5 seed – not the No. 2-4 as these are reserved for division winners. Being the No. 5 seed means happening the highway to face the winner of the NFC South (on to that in only a second).
Buckle up, soccer followers. Two of the most effective offenses squaring off in Week 18 with tons on the road. It’s playoff soccer with out the true elimination.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS OR ATLANTA FALCONS?
As soon as once more, the NFC South has not been fairly, however Week 18 gives some suspense as each the Bucs and Falcons will likely be gunning for that remaining playoff spot, and it’ll solely be secured by the division title.
Tampa Bay has the sting, although, as a win over the Carolina Panthers at residence would guarantee they win the division it doesn’t matter what occurs with the Falcons’ recreation in opposition to the New Orleans Saints.
Nonetheless, if the Bucs have been to lose and the Falcons have been to win, it will be Atlanta profitable the division.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, #6, drops again in opposition to the Carolina Panthers throughout the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Photographs)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Nonetheless, they’d have the identical 9-8 document, you say? Kirk Cousins may not be Atlanta’s beginning quarterback anymore, however he had two of his finest video games of the season in opposition to Tampa Bay, which led to Falcons wins in each matchups. A clear sweep within the common season means the Falcons personal the tiebreaker over the Bucs, which might crown them NFC South champions.
Each video games will likely be occurring on the identical time, 1 p.m. ET, which can create the proper quantity of suspense for followers of each franchises.
Comply with Fox Information Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Source link