Here we are, at the final weekend of the NFL’s regular season. This year is extra action-packed, because here in Week 18, we still don’t know whether a ton of teams will be going to the playoffs. It’s really down to the wire. So, what are the most critical Week 18 NFL games? Let’s get into the madness and mayhem.
One of the critical games is already over, and that’s the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Baltimore Ravens. This, of course, didn’t matter at all to the Ravens. They’re the No. 1 seed in the AFC by a longshot. In fact, the Ravens even rested quarterback Lamar Jackson and a bunch of their starts for the game. The Steelers pulled off a win, 17-10, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Sunday Night Football in Week 18 will feature one of the biggest games of the season. We’ll be watching the Buffalo Bills against the Miami Dolphins. These two teams are battling it out to clinch the AFC East. If the Dolphins win and clinch the East, the Buffalo Bills could actually not make the playoffs. Since the Steelers won, the the Jacksonville Jaguars would have to lose their Sunday game in order for the Bills to make the playoffs, in the Bills lose. That’s pretty crazy for a team that starting to finally peak.
Another must-see game is the Philadelphia Eagles against the New York Giants. The Eagles have to win over the Giants in Week 18 and hope the Dallas Cowboys lose to Washington to clinch the NFC East. However, I highly doubt the Cowboys will lose to the Commanders. That said, if Dallas wins, they’ll be No. 1 in the NFC East, even if the Eagles beat the Giants.
Another interesting trio involves the Colts, Texans and Jaguars. All of these teams could clinch the AFC South. Houston won last night (Jan. 6) against the Colts, so the Texans are going to the playoffs. But, in order to clinch the AFC South, Houston will have to pray for a Jacksonville loss. The Texans will be the No. 6 seed with a Jacksonville win and Buffalo loss. They’ll be the No. 7 seed if both the Jaguars and Bills win. Jacksonville goes up against Tennessee at 1 p.m. EST Sunday (Jan. 7). We already mentioned that the Buffalo game takes place Sunday night against Miami.
The NFC South is also still up for grabs. Looking at these teams’ records, what a weak division. But, it happens. So, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need a win over the Carolina Panthers to be No. 1 in the division. If they lose, the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons could creep up and get it. The Buccaneers take on the Panthers Sunday (Jan. 7) at 1 p.m. EST.
So, there you have it. It’s really incredible how many of today’s games are must-wins for teams to make the playoffs. I’m glad my team, the Detroit Lions, is already in. I don’t have to stress watching them take on the Minnesota Vikings, even if there are some bad calls. I’m looking at you, Brad Allen. Find the full NFL Week 18 schedule and how to watch here.