We’ve reached Week 18 in the NFL, the final weekend of the regular season.
Two games will be held on Saturday, and the remaining 14 contests will occur on Sunday.
Which players will be out this week? Who will be the difference makers and projected upsets for the first games of 2025?
Key Injuries
Fight for the NFC’s No. 1 Seed
The Detroit Lions have suffered a ridiculous number of injuries this season. David Montgomery (MCL sprain in his right knee) remains out but is expected to return for the divisional round after initial reports said he would opt for season-ending surgery.
After #Lions RB David Montgomery spent the last few days consulting with medical experts, sources are now optimistic that the star avoided the season-ending surgery that was initially feared.
Montgomery will rehab with the hope that he can return at some point this postseason. pic.twitter.com/epN40XUoPy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2024
The Lions are hopeful to get MLB Alex Anzalone (forearm) back from Injured Reserve this week, but he remained limited at Wednesday’s practice.
Even with Anzalone back on defense, Detroit’s long list of injuries may prove fatal. The team must win this week to clinch the No. 1 seed or risk falling to fifth with a loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night.
Buccaneers’ Playoff Hopes in Limbo
Ten players on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were either limited or did not practice on Wednesday. Jamel Dean hasn’t missed a start all season, but he did not practice Wednesday, putting his status for Sunday in question. Antoine Winfield Jr. adds to the Bucs’ banged-up secondary list, as he did not practice either and has missed the last four games.
Tampa Bay needs a win or a Falcons loss on Sunday to clinch the NFC South.
Bengals Need Help
The Cincinnati Bengals need a win AND Broncos and Dolphins losses to claim the final AFC playoff spot. The odds seem virtually impossible, as they’re up against a Steelers team that can still clinch the AFC North with a win and a Ravens loss, all while a Steelers loss and a Chargers win would drop Pittsburgh to the No. 6 seed.
Things don’t get any easier for Cincy, as Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins were limited, and star running back Chase Brown did not practice on Wednesday. The three are among 11 DNP/LPs on the roster.
Difference Makers
Lamar MVP?
The Baltimore Ravens can clinch the AFC North outright with a win over the Browns on Saturday, but that outcome is heavily contingent on Lamar Jackson.
Jackson has delivered some of his best performances this season since his incredible 2019 MVP campaign. The Ravens quarterback is second in passing touchdowns this season but has struggled in the team’s five losses, posting sub-65% completion rates in each one, including their last meeting with the Browns on October 27.
Bengals Need Chase to Deliver
While much of the Bengals’ core offense is banged up, Ja’Marr Chase must maintain his top receiver status against the Steelers on Sunday. Chase leads the league in receptions (117), receiving yards (1,612), and touchdowns (16), and if the Bengals are to make any noise this week — much less the slim chance at the postseason — Chase has to be at his best.
Projected Upsets
Here are some upset predictions for Week 18.
- Panthers over the Falcons, ending Atlanta’s playoff hopes.
- Vikings over the Lions for the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The best odds on these upset predictions are available on Wincomparator.com, an online betting resource for odds comparisons and shopping for the best sportsbooks.
If you were looking for a preview of the final week of the regular season, there you have it! The playoff picture is pretty stable, but the NFL is no stranger to unexpected moments and changes in the final week of the regular season.
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