Picture Credit: All-Pro Reels
The NFL regular season is coming to a close. This season has featured historic performances and nail-biting finishes. Stars have fallen into obscurity, while others have risen into stardom. This year, teams like the Vikings, Chargers, and Commanders have shocked the NFL world by taking playoff spots. Heading into week 18, the season is effectively over for the majority of teams. For those still fighting for something, this week is crucial. There is no more projecting what could happen moving forward. Standings will be finalized on Sunday. Here are the NFL’s top week 18 games:
5. Saints @ Buccaneers
It’s simple for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Win, and you’re in the playoffs as the NFC South champions for the fourth consecutive year. Lose, and you’re relying on a Falcons loss. Tampa Bay is favored heavily in this game, as they should be. The Saints are banged up and have struggled on both sides of the ball for the majority of the year. This game will come down to the Buccaneers’ ability to control the pace of the game on offense and convert on red zone opportunities. I have the Buccaneers winning and securing their spot in the playoffs.
TB 21-10 NO
4. Dolphins @ Jets
The Dolphins have snuck into a potential playoff position with hardly anyone noticing. With a win and a Broncos loss, Miami would take the final wild-card position in the AFC. Since returning from injury, Tua Tagovailoa has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league. The Dolphins have had their weaknesses this year, but they’re in a prime position to make the postseason. I don’t see the Jets getting in their way.
MIA 24-17 NYJ
3. Chiefs @ Broncos
With a win against the Chiefs on Sunday, the Broncos could clinch a wild card spot. A loss would open the door for the Dolphins or Bengals. Denver is currently favored by 10.5 in this game after news broke that Kansas City will rest Patrick Mahomes. Though the Chiefs have already secured the top seed in the AFC, knocking a division rival out of playoff position should be more than enough motivation. I expect the Chiefs to pull off a massive upset on the road to end the Broncos’ season.
KC 20-18 DEN
2. Bengals @ Steelers
This matchup is one of the few this weekend where both teams can affect their playoff positioning. Pittsburgh can clinch the AFC North title with a win and a Baltimore loss vs. Cleveland. Cincinnati’s odds are a bit more slim. They can clinch a wild card spot with a win, a Broncos loss, and a Dolphins loss. This game features the hottest offense in the league against one of the best defenses in the league. I have the Bengals winning but falling just short of the postseason.
CIN 28-25 PIT
1. Vikings @ Lions
There is no questioning which of this weekend’s games carries the most weight. Both teams are 14-2. Both teams are in the NFC North. The winner takes the top seed in the NFC. The loser takes the fifth seed. For two Super Bowl contenders, the chance to earn a first-round bye and guarantee home games the rest of the way is crucial. Without running back David Montgomery, the Lions’ running game is severely limited. Injuries on Detroit’s defense should allow Sam Darnold to hit open targets from a clean pocket. I have the Vikings becoming the most unlikely one-seed in recent memory.
MIN 31-30 DET
