With only one week left in the season there is still a lot to be settled in the NFL, setting up an exciting final week of the season. Many teams have clinched playoff spots, but seeding is still on the line. The only spot sewed up in the NFC is that the Packers will be the one seed. The road to the Super Bowl will go through Lambeau Field…for now. In the AFC, the Chiefs lost the top seed dropping a dramatic game to the Bengals – leaving the Titans with the top spot in the AFC. The final spot in the AFC will come down to a Sunday night showdown between the Raiders and the Chargers. Let’s recap the action and preview the scenarios for week 18.
Chiefs vs Bengals:
Ja’Marr Chase should be the offensive rookie of the year after a dominant performance vs a Chiefs’ defense that has improved throughout the season. Chase had 266 yards and three touchdowns – helping lead the Bengals to a 34-31 win over Kansas City. The win clinched the AFC North for the Bengals in what has been a remarkable turnaround for a team that had the #1 pick in the draft two seasons ago. When the Bengals protect Joe Burrow he can carve defenses up. Juggler Joe threw for 449 yards and four touchdowns. The Bengals will be a dangerous team in the postseason, as they can score with anyone if they don’t beat themselves. The Bengals’ defense should also get some credit for holding Patrick Mahomes to only three points in the 2nd half.
Cardinals’ vs Cowboys:
The Cardinals kept their chances to win the AFC West alive with a 25-22 win over the Cowboys. Coming into the game Dallas was the #2 seed in the NFC, but with the loss they are now the 4th seed. This is a rematch that could possibly happen again in the wild card round. Kylar Murray threw for 263 yards and two touchdowns and the Cardinals’ defense shut down the Cowboys running game, allowing only 45 yards on 17 carries. Even worse news for the Cowboys is wide receiver Michael Gallup suffered a torn ACL and is out for the rest of the season.
Raiders vs Colts:
Despite throwing for two interceptions, Derek Carr was able to lead the Raiders to a 23-20 win over the Colts – keeping Las Vegas alive for the final playoff spot in the AFC. Carson Wentz only threw for 148 yards. If the Colts are going to make any noise in the postseason he is going to have to play well, as teams will be locked-in on stopping running back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor played well – rushing for 108 yards on 20 carries, but it wasn’t enough. This game was also won on 3rd down with Las Vegas going 6-14 on 3rd down, while the Colts were only 3-11. The Colts travel to Jacksonville and if they win, they are in. However, Jacksonville is a place where the Colts have struggled historically. The Raiders will host the Los Angeles Chargers in a win and you’re in scenario.
Playoff Scenarios
AFC
- Titans: Beat the Texans and they’re the AFC’s #1 Seed
- Chiefs: Can win the AFC’s #1 Seed with a win and a Titans loss. Titans have head-to-head win over KC
- Bengals: Can clinch AFC’s #1 seed with a win and Titans, Chiefs, and New England loss or a win and Titans and Chiefs loss and a Buffalo win
- Bills: Clinch AFC East with a win or a New England loss
- Patriots: clinch AFC East with a win and a Bills loss. Clinch AFC’s #1 seed with a win and Bills, Chiefs, and Titans loss
- Chargers: win or tie and they’re in the playoffs
- Colts: clinch playoff spot with a win or a Chargers loss and Pittsburgh and Baltimore ending in a tie, or a Chargers loss and Steelers loss and a Dolphins win
- Raiders: Win and they’re in, or a tie and a Colts loss or a Colts loss and a Steelers loss/tie
- Ravens: win and a Chargers loss, Colts loss, and a Dolphins loss/tie
NFC Playoff Scenarios
- Packers are the #1 seed
- Cardinals: clinch NFC West with a win and a Rams loss
- Rams: clinch NFC West with a win or a Cardinals loss/tie
- Saints: clinch playoff spot with a win and a 49ers loss
- 49ers: clinch playoff spot with a win or a Saints loss/tie
Week 18 games to watch
- Chiefs vs Broncos
- Cowboys vs Eagles
- 49ers vs Rams
- New Orleans vs Atlanta
- Chargers vs Raiders
