The Raiders plan to give playing time to all players in their final game to potentially secure the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft if they lose to the Chiefs, highlighting the ongoing issue of tanking driven by the draft order system, which incentivizes losing to get better draft positions. The NFL could consider alternative draft systems to encourage teams to compete hard even when out of playoff contention.
The 49ers prepare for their Week 18 game against the Seahawks at Levi's Stadium, with key players Trent Williams and George Kittle listed as questionable due to injuries. The game is a crucial NFC West showdown with postseason implications, featuring special events like the debut of the Rivalries uniform and Faithful Appreciation Day. The 49ers are entering the game with strong momentum after a win in Week 17 and are vying for the NFC West title and top seed in the playoffs.
The Cleveland Browns upset the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6, with their defense securing a crucial win and setting up a winner-take-all game against the Ravens for a playoff spot. Myles Garrett narrowly missed breaking the sack record, while both teams struggled offensively, especially the Steelers without DK Metcalf. The game was decided by a late defensive stand by Cleveland, leading to a critical Week 18 matchup.
The Dallas Cowboys' playoff seeding and opponent for the wild-card round remain uncertain heading into Week 18 of the NFL season. They could end up as the No. 2, No. 3, or No. 5 seed, with potential matchups against seven different teams based on various outcomes. The Cowboys secure the No. 2 seed if they win their division, which can happen through a win against the Commanders, an Eagles loss, or ties. The No. 3 seed is possible if they lose to the Commanders, the Eagles lose to the Giants, and the Lions beat the Vikings. The No. 5 seed will be theirs if they lose or tie against the Commanders and the Eagles win, which would lead to an away game against the NFC South winner. Specific opponents for each scenario are outlined based on the results of other games in Week 18.
In the NFL's Week 18 early slate, the Jacksonville Jaguars are set to face the Tennessee Titans with the AFC South title on the line, needing a win to secure the division. The NFC South could also be decided with a Tampa Bay Buccaneers win over the Carolina Panthers, while the Falcons-Saints game has implications if the Buccaneers falter. Additionally, playoff spots and draft picks are at stake in other games, with various players eyeing performance incentives. Key updates include the Texans joining the playoffs, Zach Wilson's expected departure from the Jets, and several player inactives due to injuries or illness.
As the NFL's 2023 regular season wraps up, the playoff picture is becoming clearer with key games determining division titles and wild-card berths. The AFC East title is up for grabs between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, while the AFC South champion will also be decided. In the NFC, the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are competing for the NFC East crown, and the NFC South is still undecided with the Buccaneers, Saints, and Falcons in contention. The playoff field has seen turnover with at least four new teams from last year, continuing a trend since 1990. Clinching scenarios are outlined for various teams, with the final playoff spots to be determined by the outcomes of Week 18's games.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are favored to win against the Tennessee Titans in the upcoming Week 18 NFL game, with a four-point advantage and an over/under of 42 points. The Jaguars are seeking their second consecutive AFC South title, while the Titans are out of playoff contention and will be missing quarterback Will Levis. The game will be broadcast on CBS and can be streamed on Paramount+, which offers a seven-day free trial. SportsLine's model predicts the Jaguars will cover the spread, considering their strong run defense and the return of quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
The New Orleans Saints face a setback as they head into a crucial Week 18 game without star running back Alvin Kamara, who is out with a sprained ankle. The Saints' playoff hopes hinge on a win against the Falcons and assistance from the Panthers. Other notable inactives for the early games include Jets' Aaron Rodgers and Patriots' Mac Jones, while the Browns will miss Myles Garrett and the Bengals are without Tee Higgins. The list of inactives across various teams could impact the final playoff picture as the regular season concludes.
In the final week of the NFL regular season, Week 18, playoff scenarios are complex with five playoff berths and four division titles still up for grabs. Key games include Buccaneers at Panthers, Vikings at Lions, Falcons at Saints, Jaguars at Titans, Seahawks at Cardinals, Bears at Packers, Eagles at Giants, Cowboys at Commanders, and Bills at Dolphins, each with significant implications for playoff spots and division titles. Some teams like the Browns, Bengals, Jets, Patriots, Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, Raiders, Rams, and 49ers have no playoff implications in their games. The outcomes of these games will determine the final playoff picture heading into the postseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, after missing Week 17 due to a shoulder injury, is active and expected to start in the crucial Week 18 game against the Titans. The Jaguars are aiming for a win to clinch their second consecutive AFC South title. Wide receiver Christian Kirk is out, but Zay Jones is active for the game.
As the Detroit Lions face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18, player prop bets offer a chance to capitalize on potential individual milestones. Jahmyr Gibbs is a strong bet to go over 55.5 rushing yards as he aims for a 1,000-yard season, while Josh Reynolds is a tempting anytime touchdown scorer with a significant incentive bonus on the line. Conversely, Ty Chandler is expected to fall short of 49.5 rushing yards against a stout Lions defense. These prop bets are influenced by player incentives and team strategies, making the game's outcome potentially pivotal for bettors.
The Detroit Lions have updated their depth chart for Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings, making several roster adjustments for players returning from injured reserve and practice squad moves. Key players like Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown are highlighted with Pro Bowl alternate statuses, while injuries and returns from IR are noted for others. The depth chart includes detailed listings by position, with starters bolded, injured players italicized, and rookies marked with an asterisk. The Lions are preparing for the postseason with an 11-5 record as they face the 7-9 Vikings.
The Green Bay Packers, led by quarterback Jordan Love, are set to face the Chicago Bears in a decisive Week 18 matchup at Lambeau Field, with a playoff spot on the line. Key points to watch include the Packers' receiving corps health, key matchups like Zach Tom against Montez Sweat and Jaire Alexander against D.J. Moore, the Packers' run defense against Khalil Herbert and Justin Fields, turnover differential importance, and the potential for a signature moment from Jordan Love. Despite the Bears' surging defense and run game, the prediction leans towards the Packers, citing Love's high level of play as the deciding factor in the historic rivalry.
The Houston Texans secured a wild-card spot, while the Pittsburgh Steelers improved their playoff chances with Saturday victories. As the NFL heads into Sunday, four playoff spots and four division titles are still up for grabs. The Texans can claim the AFC South title with a Jaguars loss or tie, while the Steelers can make the playoffs with a Bills loss or a Jaguars loss or tie. In the NFC, multiple teams including the Falcons, Cowboys, Packers, Vikings, Saints, Eagles, Seahawks, and Buccaneers have various scenarios to clinch division titles or playoff berths in the final week of the regular season.
The Detroit Lions are preparing to face the Minnesota Vikings in a crucial Week 18 game, with three main concerns: replicating their previous takeaway-heavy performance against the Vikings' QB Nick Mullens, strategizing to contain star receiver Justin Jefferson, and the slim possibility of securing the NFC's No. 2 seed, which hinges on a win against the Vikings and favorable outcomes in other games. The Lions' defense is looking to maintain its aggressive play, particularly in the secondary, and the team is aware of the importance of finishing the regular season strong.
