Let’s face it, just about every game in Week 18 matters for somebody as there are five playoff spots still up for grabs with eleven teams in the hunt for these coveted spots. The last week of regular season action is finally upon us, and so it’s important to sift through the noise and find out which games really matter for the teams that matter. Without further ado, let’s break down the matchups that matter most in Week 18. Games are listed by the order in which they appear on the Week 18 NFL schedule.
Steelers vs Ravens (Saturday)
Steelers fans and Bills fans will be interested to learn the outcome of this contest. For the Steelers, this is a “win & in” scenario with the Ravens resting their starters. Meanwhile, the Bills & their fans are rooting for a Steelers loss as that outcome would give them a playoff berth & a shot to take the AFC East title on Sunday night. This matchup also highlights one of the best rivalry series in the NFL, so don’t expect the Ravens to just roll over & give the Steelers the victory on Saturday night.
Colts vs Texans (Saturday night)
I’m loving this marquee Saturday night matchup before Sunday’s festivities begin. Three teams, including the two featured here plus the Jaguars, are in a three way tie atop the AFC South division with identical 9-7 records on their respective ledgers. The Colts just need a win here and they’re in the playoff tournament; however, a win & a Jaguars loss on Sunday would secure them their first division title since 2014! Similar things can be said for the Texans, who would secure a playoff spot with a win & their first AFC South title since 2019 with a win in tandem with a Jaguars loss. It doesn’t really get much better than a de-facto playoff game on a Saturday night.
Jaguars vs Titans (Sunday early)
Regardless of Saturday night’s outcome, the Jaguars would secure the AFC South division with a win due to their head to head tiebreakers over the Colts & Texans. That said, all of the pressure is on the Jaguars in order to make that happen, and it’s not like these Mike-Vrabel led Titans are just going to sit around and let them win. Trevor Lawrence is on track to play for the Jags this week, which is surely welcome news as his health has been shaky down the stretch due to an awful shoulder injury. Losing here would obliterate their playoff hopes, as they would then be thrown into a weird fiasco dependent on tie game(s) in order to secure the final Wild Card slot.
Bucs vs Panthers (Sunday early)
Okay, surely no sane NFL fan will be actively watching this appalling matchup here. That said, the significance of this key game’s outcome shouldn’t be lost on NFL fans. This is basically a “win or go home” game for the Buccaneers, as with a win they would be NFC South division champions; however, a loss would throw them into a frenzy with Green Bay & Seattle in order to possibly secure the final Wild Card spot. A Buccaneers loss would also mean that the winner of the Saints-Falcons game would secure the NFC South title, which brings us to our next game on the docket…
Falcons vs Saints (Sunday early)
Things are very simple for the Falcons, as it’s win or go home for them on Sunday. Unfortunately for them, their division rival Saints are basically in the same boat. Both teams need a win & some help (read: a Buccaneers loss) to win the NFC South. Making matters more interesting is the fact that these teams won’t know the results of the Buccaneers game until their game is over, as they start at the exact same time. These two head coaches are also fighting for their jobs, so this should be interesting.
Packers vs Bears (Sunday late)
A Packers win would guarantee their ticket to the playoffs; however, a loss wouldn’t necessarily be detrimental to their hopes, as there are many routes they could take. Losing though would open the door for the Seahawks and Saints to steal their spot. The Bears were eliminated from contention long ago; however, they are surging as of late & their offense finally came alive in last week’s 37-17 victory over the Falcons. This is a great matinee game leading into a fantastic Sunday Night Football clash.
Bills vs Dolphins (Sunday night)
We’ve saved the best for last, as I will surely be watching this matchup attentively. It’s amazing to me that the Bills could end up anywhere from the AFC’s No. 2 seed & AFC East winner to the No. 6 or No. 7 seed to bounced from the postseason entirely. That’s such a wide range of outcomes for them, so it’s easier to say win & you’re in. Of course, the Bills have been playing that way for the past month or so anyways. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have already punched their playoff ticket, but they could secure their first division title since 2008 (!) with a win over the Bills in primetime. There’s also still an outside chance that Tyreek Hill could break the single season receiving yards record previously set by Calvin Johnson all the way back in 2012. Grab your popcorn & watch the final Sunday Night Football game of the season!
The Sports Beacon 