We are officially entering the final week of the regular season. It is also the first-ever Week 18 that has been played in NFL history. There are a lot of teams with sealed fates entering this final contest but for some, their hopes are still very much alive. Let’s dive deeper into some of the most intense upcoming games that are on the slate this weekend.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
Both of these teams have a slim chance of stealing a playoff spot from one of the last two seeds. The Steelers may be watching Ben Roethlisberger take the field for the very last time in this game and what better way to end it than beating their biggest division rival? As for the Ravens, they may be getting Lamar Jackson back from his injury to try and end the season with a win.
These two had an incredibly intense matchup earlier in the season that was decided on a two-point conversion. This one isn’t expected to be any different.
Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars
The Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars may not sound like the most exciting game of the season, but it has major playoff implications. If the Colts are able to rally and win this game, they will walk away with a playoff spot. It would also eliminate any opportunity for the Ravens and Steelers to make the postseason. The question is can the Jaguars put up a fight?
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
The New Orleans Saints snagged a division win last week against the Carolina Panthers and kept their postseason hopes alive. A win could give them that shot in the Wild Card spot. The Atlanta Falcons hope to shut the door on their opponents with a surprisingly stout defense led by young standout cornerback A.J. Terrell. Could the Saints somehow sneak into the playoffs despite all their injuries?
San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams
The San Francisco 49ers are locked into the playoffs if they win this game. It would shut the door on the Saints chances. Jimmy Garoppolo has an opportunity to play but may not be able to make it back, leaving Trey Lance out as the starting quarterback. The 49ers grabbed an impressive win over the Houston Texans last weekend but the Los Angeles Rams are a lot tougher. Matthew Stafford and company turned it over three times in their one-point victory over the Ravens the other week, though it didn’t matter in the end. The Rams aren’t going to want to meet the 49ers in the playoffs and should do their best to end their season right here.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Las Vegas Raiders
The winner of this game makes the playoffs: it’s as simple as that. The Los Angeles Chargers have been wildly inconsistent but last week they showcased how dangerous they could be by destroying the Denver Broncos. The Las Vegas Raiders are fighting to keep their season alive despite suffering more adversity than any team in the league in terms of horrible news stories that have come out. Justin Herbert taking on Derek Carr in primetime will be one of the best games to tune into.