Buffalo, NY – The final Sunday of the NFL regular season is always a thrilling one, with division titles and playoff spots up for grabs. This year, Week 18 is poised to be an unforgettable chapter in NFL history. Twenty teams are still in contention for the Super Bowl, tying the record for the most teams with a shot at the playoffs going into the final week. Additionally, there are five unclaimed playoff berths, rivaling the highest number entering the final week in 2020. Meanwhile, four division titles are yet to be decided, mirroring the scenario in 2014.
With so much at stake, fans will need to toggle between channels to catch the most important games. Here’s a breakdown of which Sunday matchups hold playoff significance:
In the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are fighting to clinch the division title. They must win their final game or risk missing the playoffs entirely. If the Buccaneers lose, the winner of the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons game will seize the NFC South crown.
The Minnesota Vikings are still in the hunt for the final playoff spot in the NFC, but their chances are slim. To secure a postseason berth, the Vikings require a win and several other teams to lose. However, if the Green Bay Packers, Buccaneers, Saints, or Seattle Seahawks win, the Vikings will be eliminated.
Over in the NFC East, the Dallas Cowboys are vying for the division championship. A victory in their final game guarantees them the title, but they can still emerge as the 5th seed with a loss. The Philadelphia Eagles also have a slim chance of winning the division, but they need to defeat the New York Giants and hope for a Cowboys loss.
In the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a chance to claim the division title. A victory in their upcoming game would secure their spot in the playoffs, regardless of the outcome of the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans game. On the other hand, a loss would see the Jaguars missing out on a postseason opportunity.
As for the Seattle Seahawks, they need to win their final game and have the Green Bay Packers lose to secure a playoff spot. The Seahawks’ postseason hopes will come to an end with a loss or if the Packers win.
The Green Bay Packers themselves are aiming to secure the final playoff berth in the NFC. A victory over the Chicago Bears will guarantee them a spot, but they can still make it with a loss if the Seahawks, Vikings, Saints, or Buccaneers also lose.
Other teams, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders, have been eliminated from playoff contention.
In summary, Week 18 of the NFL regular season promises exciting matchups with playoff implications. As teams fight for division titles, playoff berths, and higher seeds, fans can expect intense games with everything on the line. The final results will shape the playoff picture and set the stage for the postseason.