NFL Week 18 Preview: Playoff Implications and Divisional Clashes
Teams will get their last shot at securing playoff spots in Week 18. Divisional titles will up for grabs, teams will jostle for seeding and final wild-card berths will be claimed. The final week of the regular season will have two games on Saturday with the rest taking place on Sunday. Saturday will have kick-off times of 4:30 and 8:15 p.m. ET. Sunday will have the usual time slots, including one matchup for Sunday Night Football.
The NFL will announce times for games following Week 17. This ensures we get the best matchups with the highest stakes in the bright lights, including Saturday’s slots and Sunday Night Football.
Every game of Week 18 will be a divisional clash. Some of the most promising games include the Browns-Bengals, Vikings-Lions, Bears-Packers, Bills-Dolphins, Falcons-Saints, Patriots-Jets and Chiefs-Chargers.
The Cincinnati Bengals could be fighting for the AFC North and a higher seed for the playoffs. The Cleveland Browns could have their wild-card hopes on the line. This in-state rivalry usually delivers. Cleveland has dominated in recent years, but the tide could be turning for Cincinnati.
The Steelers, Ravens, and Playoff Implications in NFL Week 18
The Pittsburgh Steelers will visit the Baltimore Ravens. The AFC North will be a key division to watch this week, as multiple teams from the division could make the playoffs. The Steelers will likely be tabbed as underdogs by NFL odds. Pittsburgh’s best shot could be to make this a low-scoring defensive, led by its pass rush. The under could be a popular pick with both teams featuring impressive defenses.
The AFC East – perhaps the best division in football – could draw many eyes in the regular season finale. The New England Patriots could be on the outside looking in at the playoffs. However, they have a chance to spoil some of the New York Jets’ postseason hopes (perhaps a higher seed).
The Miami Dolphins will also play host to the Buffalo Bills. If both teams are playing their starters, this matchup screams primetime. Some of the NFL’s best skill position players will be on show, including wideouts Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Josh Allen could be in the MVP Award running. Most importantly, both teams will likely take part in the postseason.
The NFC North, Chiefs vs. Chargers, and More in NFL Week 18
The NFC North was one of the most competitive divisions of the season. The title race could come down to the final week with the Minnesota Vikings visiting the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers playing host to the Chicago Bears. In the 2022 season, the Lions spoiled the Packers’ playoff hopes on Sunday Night Football in Week 18. Could we see another electric NFC North battle to cap the regular season?
The Kansas City Chiefs against the Los Angeles Chargers is another intriguing battle. If the Chiefs play their starters, NFL lines will likely favor Kansas City on the road. Quarterback duels between Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert are always must-see TV, as both are firmly within the top-five QBs in the NFL.
The Atlanta Falcons against the New Orleans Saints could be another big-time matchup. The NFC South title could be on the line. Depending on the stakes, this is another game with a chance to land in primetime. New Orleans would be an awesome atmosphere for national television. The Caesars Superdome is usually rocking, especially when the lights are bright.
This is the last chance for bettors to pick as many as 16 games in one week of the NFL season. The quality of play will spike next week in the playoffs, but the volume of game odds will sharply drop. Make sure to check out NFL odds for Week 18. This could be your last chance to build juicy parlays with massive profits.
