As the calendar turned the page from 2023 to 2024, the clock ticked towards the NFL season finale. In Week 17, many teams tasted victory, while conversely, several concluded the week with staggering defeats.
Regardless of wins or losses, every team aspires to kick off their journey in the first game of this new year with a victory in Week 18. Therefore, let’s explore the comprehensive schedule for the exciting Week 18 before it unfolds, shaping the path for the culmination of the 2023–24 NFL season.
How does the 2023 NFL playoff scenario look before Week 18?
As the NFL season finale approaches, four AFC teams and six NFC teams are leading the playoff race, per a report from NFL.com.
In the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens (13-3), Miami Dolphins (11-5), Patrick Mahomes‘s Kansas City Chiefs (10-6), and Cleveland Browns (11-5) have already secured their spots. Each team is leading its respective division, except for the Browns, who hold the No. 2 seed behind the Ravens in the AFC North.
The Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7), Buffalo Bills (10-6), and Indianapolis Colts (9-7) are competing for a playoff spot in the AFC. Among them, the Bills have the lead, with a 94% possibility of securing it.
Right now, the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers, both holding 9-7 records, find themselves in a delicate situation. They are on the verge of either being eliminated after Week 18 or securing a spot in the playoffs. Eight teams, such as the New England Patriots, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, and Tennessee Titans, have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Shifting focus to the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers (12-4), Dallas Cowboys (11-5), Detroit Lions (11-5), Philadelphia Eagles (11-5), and Los Angeles Rams (9-7) have clinched playoff berths. With the exception of the Eagles and Rams, each team leads its respective division.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers, both with 8-8 records, are contending for a playoff spot in the NFC, with the Bucs holding a 69% possibility of winning it.
In this context, the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons are on the bubble, aiming to secure their playoff spots. In the NFC division, five teams, including the Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, New York Giants, and Chicago Bears, have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
NFL releases Week 18 schedule for 2023 Season Finale
As the NFL regular season heads into its final week, the league has unveiled the complete schedule for Week 18 which will culminate with a highly anticipated matchup in Miami.
Week 18 festivities kick off with a Saturday doubleheader. The Steelers will face the Ravens at 4:30 p.m. ET, and a clash between the Texans and Colts will unfold at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Following that, on Sunday, Jan. 7, NFL fans are going to see a nail-biting 13 NFL games.
At 1. p.m., there will be six games, including Falcons vs. Saints, Browns vs. Bengals, Jaguars vs. Titans, Vikings vs. Lions, Jets vs. Patriots, and Buccaneers vs. Panthers.
From 4:25 p.m. on, the fans must not forget to keep their eyes on games between the Bears vs. Packers, Cowboys vs. Commanders, Broncos vs. Raiders, Chiefs vs. Chargers, Rams vs. 49ers, Eagles vs. Giants, Seahawks vs. Cardinals, and Bills vs. Dolphins.
This comprehensive lineup promises an exciting NFL season finale with several key matchups and playoff implications.
