Week 18 NFL Predictions: The Final Countdown
As the regular season comes to a close, the stakes are higher than ever. With playoff spots on the line and teams jostling for position, every game matters. Here’s a breakdown of this week’s matchups and my predictions for each.
Saturday Showdowns
The Ravens will secure the AFC North title with a win, and I expect them to do just that. However, they’ll likely rest their starters in the second half, allowing the Browns to cover the spread. Meanwhile, the Bengals need a win and some help to sneak into the playoffs, but I think they’ll come up short against the Steelers.
Sunday Funday
The Falcons still have playoff hopes, but they’ll need the Saints to beat the Buccaneers and then take care of business against the Panthers. Unfortunately, I don’t think they’ll get the help they need. The Commanders, on the other hand, are already in the playoffs and will focus on preparing for the Wild Card round.
The Cowboys will look to sweep the season series against the Commanders, while the Packers will rest their top players ahead of the playoffs. The Bears, meanwhile, will extend their losing streak to 11 games.
AFC Afternoon
The Colts’ playoff dreams were dashed last week, and they’ll be playing for pride against the Jaguars. The Bills will be resting their starters, which should give the Patriots an easy win. The Giants will struggle against the Eagles, while the Buccaneers must win to take the NFC South title.
Late-Game Drama
The Texans will look to get back on track against the Titans, who are still in the hunt for the first overall pick. The 49ers’ miserable season will come to an end without Brock Purdy, while the Cardinals will win a meaningless game against the Rams.
The Chiefs will rest their best players, giving the Broncos a chance to sneak into the playoffs. The Seahawks will close out their season with a win, but it won’t be enough to make the playoffs. The Chargers will be motivated to win and potentially face the Chiefs in the Divisional Round.
Sunday Night Showdown
The final game of the week has it all: the winner gets home-field advantage and a bye to the Divisional Round, while the loser will play next week. I think the Lions will win a shootout against the Vikings, despite their defensive injuries, to secure their first-ever home-field advantage.
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