Week 18 was an exciting end to the season. It saw the Panthers and Steelers sneak into the playoffs, thanks to winning their divisions. The Broncos and Seahawks won their games and were able to clinch the #1 seeds in their own conferences. So, we have a lot to recap; let’s get going.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers
The Buccaneers came into Week 18 needing a loss from the Falcons and a win of their own. They did their half, beating the Panthers 16-14. Tampa Bay, which has had a really rough go of things in the second half of the season, did not make the playoffs due to the Falcons winning. That win gave the NFC South to the Panthers, who will be in the playoffs as the #4 seed. Both teams finish the regular season 8-9.
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
This was the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC. The Seahawks dominated this one from start to finish, winning 13-3. Despite the low-scoring game, Seattle proved why it is the most dangerous team in the NFC. Their defense held a dominant 49ers defense to just a field goal, while also forcing an interception and getting three sacks. The Seahawks enter the playoffs as the #1 seed at 14-3, while the 49ers enter the playoffs as the 6 seed at 12-5.
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Giants really needed this loss, and they could’ve gotten the first overall pick. Instead, their 34-17 win put them at the fifth overall pick. However, this game might be a sign of the Giants’ offense’s strength that will be expected next season. Jaxson Dart had 230 passing yards and two touchdowns, which is a strong performance in the air for the rookie. The Cowboys finish the year 7-9-1 and will look to rebuild their defense in the offseason.
Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints
Despite both of these teams being eliminated, this was the battle for the NFC South. The 19-17 win from the Falcons clinched the division for the Panthers. Despite losing seasons from both teams, they ended the year on relatively high notes as both teams seem to have found their quarterbacks, Kirk Cousins for Atlanta and Tyler Shough for the Saints. The Falcons end the season 8-9, but the Saints enter the offseason at 6-11.
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ atrocious year only continued, as the Browns beat them 20-18. Myles Garrett sacked Joe Burrow to record his 23rd sack of the year, giving him the NFL record for most sacks in a season. Cleveland ended the season 5-12, and Cincinnati ended 6-11. Both of these teams will be picking relatively early in the draft this year.
Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
The Vikings are another team that ended the year off on a high note, as they won their fifth straight game against the Packers, 16-3. Minnesota will have a 9-8 record to end the season, and they look decently promising in a competitive NFC North. Green Bay will sneak into the playoffs as the seven-seed with a 9-7-1 record, but they currently have multiple injuries that could hamper their hopes in the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans
I know it’s the Titans, but the Jaguars look even scarier after their 41-7 win. Trevor Lawrence led the offense with 255 passing yards and three TDs. Jacksonville moves into the playoffs as the #3 seed with a 13-4 record. Many people want to downplay how good the Jaguars are, but they are a serious threat in the playoffs. Tennessee (3-14), on the other hand, will draft fourth this year and look to add some offensive weapons around QB Cam Ward.
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Texans played a strong game to end the season, powered by six field goals to win 38-30. Houston will go into the playoffs as the #5 seed at 12-5, and look legit with one of the best defenses in the league. The Colts, after having a terrible second half, will look to address their many holes in the roster thanks to their 8-9 record.
Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets
Mitch Trubisky filled in just fine as the backup quarterback for the Bills. He had 259 passing yards and four touchdowns in the 35-8 win over the Jets. Buffalo will enter the playoffs as the #6 seed at 12-5, and can never be counted out easily. New York (3-14) will pick second in the draft and is likely to take a young QB to try fixing their franchise. The Bills also bid farewell to their old Highmark Stadium after this win, as their new stadium will be completed for 2026 and beyond.
Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears
Despite an extremely underwhelming season from Detroit, they finished the year just half a game away from the playoffs at 9-8. They beat the Bears 19-16 on a last-second field goal. Chicago will go into the playoffs as the #2 seed at 11-6, and should be an exciting team to watch. The Lions will attempt to address the problems that caused them to miss the playoffs.
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Broncos have had such a fast turnaround. In the 2024 NFL Draft, they picked Bo Nix 12th overall. Then, last year, they made the playoffs as the seventh seed. This year, they are the #1 seed in the AFC at 14-3. They did this by beating the Chargers 19-3. Denver will get a bye and is one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl. Los Angeles will go into the playoffs as the #7 seed at 11-6, but has been very solid all year long.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders took down the Chiefs 14-12 on a last-second field goal. Despite the win, they will pick first overall and seem primed to take the best QB in the draft. Kansas City, on the other hand, will look to address the holes in its roster, regardless of whether Patrick Mahomes will return next season or not. Las Vegas ends the season 3-14, tied for the worst in the NFL. The Chiefs finish 6-11.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams secured the #5 seed with their 37-20 win over the Cardinals, boosting their record to 12-5. Los Angeles is a huge threat in the NFC due to being an offensive superpower. As for Arizona (3-14), they will pick third in this year’s draft, and could potentially pick a QB if they choose to move on from Kyler Murray.
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins
The Patriots won 38-10, powered by four rushing touchdowns from their elite running back duo. New England will enter as the #2 seed in the playoffs at 14-3, and has so many weapons to make them a dangerous squad. The Dolphins enter the offseason having had a 7-10 record, with much work to do.
Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles chose to rest their starters, despite having a shot at the #2 seed. That was a smart move; however, it cost them a win as they lost 24-17. The Commanders scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter that would win them the game. Washington (5-12) goes into the offseason after an extremely disappointing season with a lot to be done. Philadelphia heads to the playoffs as the #3 seed at 11-6, and should always be taken seriously.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
For a while, this was a boring game. In the end, it turned out to be one of the most exciting games of the week, after the fourth quarter left everybody stunned. The Ravens had a chance to make a field goal that would send them to the playoffs. But instead, rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed it wide right, and the Steelers made it instead. Baltimore (8-9) has lost John Harbaugh, making their disappointing season even worse, so they have a lot to address this offseason. Pittsburgh will enter the playoffs as the #4 seed at 10-7, and have quite the challenge ahead of them against the Texans.
So, the NFL Playoffs are set.
In the NFC, the Seahawks get a bye as the #1 Seed.
#2 Bears vs. #7 Packers
#3 Eagles vs. #6 49ers
#4 Panthers vs. #5 Rams
My picks for the first round: Bears, Eagles, Rams. They are the favorites to win their games, but they are too hard to pass on.
In the AFC, the Broncos get a bye as the #1 Seed.
#2 Patriots vs. #7 Chargers
#3 Jaguars vs. #6 Bills
#4 Steelers vs. #5 Texans
My picks for the first round: Patriots, Jaguars, Texans. The Patriots-Chargers game looks like it should be really close, but I have to pick the Patriots. The Jaguars and Texans should be able to take care of business.
The playoff games will take place on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of this upcoming week.
