NFL Week 18 Playoff implications: 9 groups head into closing common season sport with one thing on the road

The ultimate week of the 2024 NFL common season is right here, and for some groups, there may be not a lot to play for because of already having their spot set within the playoffs, or worse, being knocked out of playoff competition. 

Nonetheless, for different groups not on both finish of the spectrum, there may be all the pieces to play for, making this week a must-win scenario whereas additionally taking a look at the remainder of the league.

Wanting on the present playoff image, there is just one out there 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 whole groups, whether or not it’s merely making the playoffs or seeding inside the bracket.

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8, leaves the sector following an NFL soccer sport towards the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Picture/Nick Wass)

Let’s dive into which groups and matchups to observe 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 file, however the AFC North title continues to be on the road with the Pittsburgh Steelers (extra on them in a bit) sitting only one sport behind them at 10-6. 

So, with a win or tie for Baltimore, they might win the division and lock up the No. 3 seed, which is an computerized dwelling sport within the Wild Card Spherical. They might additionally lock these up with a Steelers loss. 

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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, in contrast to the Ravens, they are going to be going towards a a lot harder 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 enjoying earlier within the day. So, they may know their scenario once they take the sector towards Cincinnati. They might clinch the division title with a win and a Baltimore loss. 

Cincinnati Bengals vast receiver Ja’Marr Chase, #1, runs with a catch within the first quarter of the NFL Week 11 sport 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 sport is a Bengals staff that has stayed alive with wins during the last 4 video games to provide themselves an 8-8 and a shot at that closing 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 with a view 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 file, 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, nevertheless, 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 stored 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 same old Chiefs, and they are going to be at dwelling to get the job achieved. 

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, #10, throws through the first half of an NFL soccer sport towards the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in Seattle. (AP Picture/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 say that closing playoff spot. 

DETROIT LIONS – MINNESOTA VIKINGS: FOR THE NFC NO. 1 SEED

That is maybe the most effective sport 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 Evening Soccer” in a extremely anticipated bout between two squads that every would like to host each single playoff sport aside from the Tremendous Bowl. 

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, #14, appears to be like to throw towards the Detroit Lions through the first half of an NFL soccer sport on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 in Minneapolis. (AP Picture/Bruce Kluckhohn)

If that isn’t sufficient, the loser could be the No. 5 seed – not the No. 2-4 as these are reserved for division winners. Being the No. 5 seed means occurring the street 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 offers some suspense as each the Bucs and Falcons will likely be gunning for that closing 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 dwelling would guarantee they win the division it doesn’t matter what occurs with the Falcons’ sport towards the New Orleans Saints. 

Nonetheless, if the Bucs had been to lose and the Falcons had been to win, it might be Atlanta successful the division. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, #6, drops again towards the Carolina Panthers through the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Photos)

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Nonetheless, they’d have the identical 9-8 file, you say? Kirk Cousins may not be Atlanta’s beginning quarterback anymore, however he had two of his finest video games of the season towards 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 taking place on the similar time, 1 p.m. ET, which can create the proper quantity of suspense for followers of each franchises. 

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