Week 18 NFL showdowns: Playoff stakes and draft drama

As the NFL postseason nears, Week 18 offers a mix of crucial matchups and lower-stakes contests.

With most playoff spots secured, the spotlight falls on a few pivotal games in both the AFC and NFC, along with the race for the 2025 draft’s top pick. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the week’s key storylines:

Saturday’s Doubleheader: AFC North and Playoff Dreams

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens can clinch the AFC North and secure the No. 3 seed with a win or tie. Baltimore enters as heavy favorites against the Browns, who are starting backup quarterback Bailey Zappe in place of an injured Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Cleveland, currently positioned for the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft, has little incentive to win, making a Ravens victory likely.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
In a do-or-die scenario, the Bengals aim to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. A win in Pittsburgh is necessary, but not sufficient—losses from Denver and Miami must follow for Cincinnati to sneak into the postseason. Meanwhile, the Steelers, already playoff-bound, can improve their seed and claim the AFC North if the Ravens stumble earlier in the day.

Sunday Early Games: NFC South Battle and Draft Implications

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
The Buccaneers, holding the NFC South lead, need a win to clinch their fifth consecutive playoff berth. However, a loss to New Orleans would open the door for Atlanta to steal the division with a victory over Carolina.

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers
The Falcons must win and hope for a Tampa Bay loss to claim the NFC South crown. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leads Atlanta against a struggling Panthers defense, setting up a potential late-season surge for the Falcons.

Draft Implications: New England, Tennessee, and Others
Teams at the bottom of the standings, including the Patriots and Titans, face the delicate balance of maintaining their draft positions. Both squads play playoff-bound opponents resting starters, presenting potential wins that could disrupt their draft order. The Giants serve as a cautionary tale after their Week 17 win dropped them from first to fourth in the draft order.

Sunday Afternoon: Broncos, Dolphins, and Playoff Scenarios

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Denver can end its nine-year playoff drought with a win over a Kansas City team likely to rest key players. If the Broncos falter, Miami can swoop in to claim the final AFC playoff spot with a victory.

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
The Dolphins need a win and a Broncos loss to make the postseason. Without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Miami’s offense struggles, but they face a Jets team seemingly ready to end a forgettable season.

Sunday Night Showdown: Lions vs. Vikings for NFC North Title

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
The week concludes with a thrilling NFC North clash between two 14-2 teams vying for the division title and top seed in the NFC. Detroit, narrowly favored at home, boasts the league’s best scoring offense, while Minnesota counters with a balanced attack led by the resurgent Sam Darnold. The winner secures a first-round bye, while the loser faces a road game in the wild-card round.

The Final Push

Week 18 encapsulates the NFL’s unpredictable drama, blending playoff battles, individual milestones, and strategic losses for draft positioning. From divisional showdowns to postseason dreams hanging by a thread, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Prepare for a weekend of intense football as teams fight to solidify their legacies—or plan for the future.