Only one week is left in the regular season, with four divisions and five playoff positions still available. The highest two seeds in each conference lead the rankings, with Baltimore emerging as the recent dominant power in the league. Conversely, teams such as New England, Washington, and Carolina are eager for their disappointing seasons to conclude.
Over the Christmas period, the Ravens sent a strong message that they are the top team in the NFL, defeating the San Francisco 49ers by 14 and scoring 56 points against their closest AFC rivals, the Miami Dolphins. During this period, Lamar Jackson essentially secured the MVP award.
The 49ers regained their momentum with their 27-10 win over the Washington Commanders last Sunday, positioning San Francisco as a key player in the NFC’s path to the Super Bowl. Having secured a bye week, San Francisco now has the opportunity to allow some of their injured players to recover. Christian McCaffrey, their running back who is currently suffering from a calf injury, is among the most significant of these players.
The loss to Miami on Christmas Eve was tough to swallow, and they almost lost to the Detroit Lions on Saturday night if not for some intervention from the officials. However, they performed well for most of that game and have now achieved 16 consecutive home victories. If they win on Sunday, they will secure at least one home playoff game.
The Dolphins experienced more than just a humbling defeat in Baltimore; it was a downright embarrassment. Now, they must regroup and secure a division they’ve dominated for a large part of the year. Concerns are growing around Tua Tagovailoa’s throwing shoulder, but the status of Jaylen Waddle’s ankle and the loss of Bradley Chubb for the season pose even more significant worries.
The Bills have secured four consecutive victories, positioning them to potentially claim the AFC East title for the fourth year running. Despite a somewhat shaky performance in the past two weeks, Buffalo has managed to come out on top in tough games against the Chargers and the Patriots. However, they will need to step up their game for a more polished performance in Miami.
The Lions persist in impressing with their skills and enthusiasm. Even if Week 18 doesn’t go as planned, they’ll be hosting a Wild Card Round playoff game, aiming for their first postseason win since 1991. The opposing team remains unknown, but the Lions are expected to be the favourite.
The formerly unstoppable red-zone offense is now struggling near the goal-line. Kansas City needed six field goals from Harrison Butker to clinch the AFC West title on Sunday. The Chiefs’ strong defense will need to maintain its performance for them to make a significant playoff run.
Joe Flacco has essentially rescued the Cleveland Browns’ season. The 38-year-old was brought in to improve upon the performances of Dorian Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker. Since his signing, Flacco has steered Cleveland to a 4-1 record. Impressively, he has also thrown for a minimum of 300 yards in four consecutive games. Quite a narrative!
The Eagles are suffering a terrible spell of form at the most inopportune time, having lost four out of their previous five games. On Sunday, they let Arizona accumulate 449 yards and 35 points. Their pass rush, which was exceptional last year, is now completely ineffective. This is causing increasing frustration throughout Philadelphia.
The Texans are just a win away from the playoffs, and securing that victory will give them a total of 10 wins for the season. This is a significant improvement, considering they only recorded 11 wins in the last three seasons combined. This impressive turnabout can be attributed to the exceptional skills of their young quarterback, C.J. Stroud. The future certainly seems promising for Houston.
The Rams have made it to the playoffs as one of NFL’s top performing teams, having won six out of their last seven games. Their only loss during this streak was a 37-31 overtime defeat in Baltimore, which is not a shameful outcome. Week 18 is not likely to be significant and it’s expected to be a match dominated by backup players against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Jaguars snapped their four-game losing streak in a classic ‘get right’ game against Carolina last week. However, the 26-0 victory leaves us wondering how telling it really was. As the playoffs loom, Trevor Lawrence has to refine his game. Otherwise, the Jags will find themselves relying more on the outstanding Josh Allen and his defensive colleagues.
It’s difficult to identify the current state of the Colts. Their inconsistency was evident as they suffered a heavy defeat to Cincinnati in Week 14, dominated Pittsburgh in Week 15, experienced a crushing loss to Atlanta in Week 16, and then clinched a tough victory against the Raiders in Week 17. However, one thing is certain – a victory on Saturday grants them their 10th win and a place in the playoffs.
Mason Rudolph and George Pickens have significantly enhanced Pittsburgh’s passing game. Consequently, Kenny Pickett, who is now fit again, will merely observe the action in Week 18. The Steelers, having won nine games, are assured of another successful season. However, I believe they will rue the defeats suffered against Arizona and New England.
The Bucs lost their first chance to secure the NFC South when the New Orleans Saints broke their four-game winning streak. This could raise some worries for Tampa. However, they are expected to easily win the division with a victory over the struggling Panthers in Week 18.
The Packers are once again in a win-and-in situation at Lambeau Field, their home turf, for the second consecutive year. This is largely thanks to Jordan Love, the rapidly advancing quarterback who has guided Green Bay to a 5-2 record in the last seven weeks. Love is projected to be the team’s long-term solution for the quarterback position.
The Saints managed to balance their record at 8-8 following their most impressive performance of the season against Tampa Bay in Week 17. However, this might not be enough. To claim the division, they need to win against Atlanta in Week 18 and hope for Tampa to lose. Alternatively, they could make it to the playoffs if they win and both Green Bay and Seattle lose.
After Pittsburgh dominated the field in Week 17, the Seahawks no longer hold their fate in their own hands. Now, they must surpass the unexpectedly formidable Cardinals and also hope for a win from Chicago at Lambeau Field. Both matches will commence concurrently.
Cincinnati’s season has concluded and honestly, it never truly began. The real hopes for the Super Bowl were crushed the instant Joe Burrow sustained a calf injury during training camp. The dreams were completely ruined when he was ruled out for the year and the defense significantly collapsed in the latter half of the season.
Heading into the offseason, the Bears are feeling significantly more optimistic about their future. Just like their Sunday rivals, Green Bay, Chicago has come out victorious in five of their last seven games. Justin Fields has been a standout towards the end of the season. The question remains, will they continue with Fields in 2024, or gamble on the leading college QB prospect?
In Week 18, the Broncos are no longer in contention for the playoffs, causing them to consider their imminent future. This probably includes an intricate and high-priced separation from quarterback Russell Wilson. Although Sean Payton does not have an immediate replacement for that position, he has unequivocally stated that Wilson is not his choice.
Though technically not out of contention yet, the Vikings must secure a win against Detroit on Sunday and bank on four other outcomes in their favor. Their recent track record is not promising, with five losses in their last six games. Their downfall can largely be attributed to Josh Dobbs, Jaren Hall, and Nick Mullens’ inability to match Kirk Cousins’ standard performance level.
As the Raiders approach their season’s final game, they have the opportunity to set a positive tone for the offseason. If they can secure a victory against Denver, it would guarantee a 3-1 record for Antonio Pierce. This could elevate him beyond his current role as interim head coach, with many considering him a perfect candidate for a long-term position.
The Falcons have lost control of the NFC South following three losses in their last four games. They still have a chance to clinify the division if they beat the Saints and the Bucs lose to Carolina. However, their current performance indicates that neither scenario is likely. Atlanta’s absence of a top-tier quarterback may cost Coach Arthur Smith his job.
Although the Titans have suffered three consecutive losses, their recent defeat to Houston marked the first time they weren’t competitive in a game since mid-November. Mike Vrabel expects toughness and dedication, qualities he is sure to receive from quarterback Will Levis. Despite not being flawless, Levis possesses an allure that makes one yearn to see more of his performance.
Despite having just four victories this year, the Cardinals have claimed significant triumphs in Dallas and Philadelphia. They are set to have a high selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, but does this mean they will acquire a new quarterback? Head coach Jonathan Gannon maintains that Kyler Murray is their preferred choice. Murray undoubtedly proved his worth in the match against the Eagles.
This season, the Giants have secured only five victories, however, their head coach Brian Daboll should find solace in their unflinching determination. They triumphed over Green Bay in Week 14, caused a stir against Philly on Christmas Day and nearly defeated the Rams in Week 17. Is there a requirement for a new quarterback for them in 2024?
Move along, nothing to see here! The Chargers are enduring a lackluster season without Justin Herbert as their quarterback and lacking a stable head coach. Alert me when Herbert is back in shape and either Bill Belichick or Jim Harbaugh is his new head coach.
The Jets are eager to move past this dreadful season and start hoping for a 2024 season led by Aaron Rodgers. However, before this can happen, they need to strengthen their offensive line, which would have been inadequate this season even if Rodgers had been in top shape.
The Patriots have reached a new low, suffering 12 season losses for the first time since 1992 and ending up at the bottom of the AFC East for the first time since 2000. Belichick’s concluding days in New England, which I predict will come to an end by next week’s midpoint, have been as grim and dismal as he could have possibly dreaded.
Ron Rivera, the head coach of the Washington Commanders, is metaphorically on borrowed time. His tenure has been undermined by instability at the quarterback position. Despite having competitive moments, his teams in Washington have not found a solution to the crucial quarterback role in the NFL.
The Panthers persist in humiliating themselves, both on and off the field. Their losing streak remains unbroken, and now, team owner David Tepper has incurred a fine of $300,000 for dousing fans with a drink in Jacksonville last week. I find it hard to believe that any top-tier head coach would consider this position in the upcoming offseason.
