Indianapolis, IN (AP) – The final Sunday of the NFL regular season promises to be an exhilarating one, with division titles hanging in the balance and playoff spots up for grabs. In an unprecedented turn of events, 20 teams are still in contention for the Super Bowl, tying the record set in 2006. Meanwhile, five playoff berths remain unclaimed, the highest number heading into the final week since 2020. Additionally, four division titles are yet to be decided, the most since 2014.
There are several games on Sunday that hold significant playoff implications. Let’s take a closer look:
Starting with the Buccaneers, their game holds immense importance for them. They need a victory to secure the NFC South title. A loss would eliminate them from the playoffs entirely, with the winner of the New Orleans and Atlanta game taking the division crown.
The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals matchup, on the other hand, holds no playoff significance. The Browns have already locked in the No. 5 seed in the AFC and will be resting their starters. Meanwhile, the Bengals have been eliminated from playoff contention.
The Minnesota Vikings face a must-win situation against the Detroit Lions if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive, although their chances are slim. For the Vikings to secure a postseason berth, they not only need a win but also require losses by the Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, and either the New Orleans Saints or Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Any victories by the Packers, Buccaneers, Saints, or Seahawks would eliminate the Vikings from playoff contention.
In the NFC South, the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons game has significant stakes if the Buccaneers lose. The winner of this matchup would claim the NFC South title, while the Falcons would be eliminated if the Buccaneers win.
In the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars hold the key to their playoff destiny. A victory against any opponent, regardless of the outcome between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans, would secure the AFC South title for the Jaguars. However, a loss would result in them missing the playoffs. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Steelers also need the Jaguars to lose in order to secure a playoff spot.
Moving to the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks must win their game against the Arizona Cardinals to have a chance at making the playoffs. A victory combined with a Packers loss would secure a playoff berth for the Seahawks. Conversely, a loss or a win by the Packers would eliminate them. The Packers, Vikings, and Saints will also be keeping a close eye on this game.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers need a win over the Chicago Bears to secure the final NFC playoff spot. However, they can still make the playoffs even with a loss, as long as the Seahawks, Vikings, and either the Saints or Buccaneers also lose. Similar to the previous game, the Seahawks, Vikings, and Saints will be watching this matchup closely. The Chiefs, on the other hand, have locked in the No. 3 seed in the AFC, and the game holds no playoff implications for them.
In the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles can secure the division title with a win and a Dallas Cowboys loss. If that happens, the Eagles would take the No. 2 seed in the NFC. However, a loss or a Cowboys win would make the Eagles the No. 5 seed. The Lions also have a slight chance at the No. 2 seed if both the Cowboys and Eagles lose.
The game between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams has no playoff implications as both teams will be starting backup quarterbacks. The 49ers have already secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC, while the Rams have clinched a wild-card spot and cannot improve their playoff positioning.
In the AFC, the Dallas Cowboys can secure the NFC East title with a win. If they lose and the Eagles win, the Cowboys would be the No. 5 seed. The Lions also need the Cowboys, along with the Eagles, to lose in order to secure the No. 2 seed.
Lastly, the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins game will determine the winner of the AFC East. A victory for the Bills would secure the No. 2 seed in the AFC. However, if they lose, other scenarios come into play. The Bills would still make the playoffs if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose, thanks to the Pittsburgh Steelers defeating the Baltimore Ravens. On the other hand, the Dolphins have already secured a playoff berth and can secure the No. 2 seed in the AFC East with a win or become the No. 6 seed with a loss.
In conclusion, Week 18 of the NFL regular season is set to be a thrilling one with numerous playoff implications on the line. As teams battle for division titles and playoff spots, fans can expect an action-packed Sunday of football.