NFL Week 18 Weekend Slate

Saturday

Bengals vs. Steelers

The Bengals have one of the best passing attacks in the NFL. The Steelers have a mid-tier secondary that likes to play soft zones. Cincinnati is one negative run away from abandoning the ground game altogether, while the Steelers have a decent run defense. Something is going to have to give. Joe Burrow has been the hero of the Bengals season, and Ja'Marr Chase has been his Robin. Pittsburgh will need to find ways to pressure the star quarterback, which they can, to keep the scoring to a minimum. Pittsburgh wants to shorten the game and grind it out, but that plan goes out the window if they can't keep the Bengals out of the end zone. Cincy is fighting for their lives and needs this win, while the Steelers are trying to hold on to the #5 spot in seeding. That is the difference between playing at Houston or facing the Ravens for a third time.

Sunday

Saints vs. Buccaneers

It's simple: Take care of the Saints and make the playoffs as the #4 seed in the NFC. There is probably no hotter team right now than the Buccaneers. The defense looks like it is figuring things out, and the offense has a legitimate run game. Win, and you're in for Tampa Bay.

Falcons vs. Panthers

Atlanta fans were Saints fans for one week. Though the Falcons do not control their destiny, they still need to win to make the playoffs. The North is loaded in the NFC, so winning the South outright is the only way to get in. With two wins over the Bucs, the Falcons need some magic from New Orleans. The Panthers have been formidable foes in the past month but failed to put up much of a fight against Tampa last week.

Commanders vs. Cowboys

Dallas seems to have found its groove on defense in the back half of the season. The offense has also found its run game. No matter the outcome, Washington is in the playoffs, but seeding matters in the NFC. A loss and a Packers win could be the difference between traveling to Philadelphia or LA. The Commanders are now slated to travel West to face the Rams. Washington will want to finish the season strong. Though the offenses have faded in the second half of the season, the defense has slowly built momentum and climbed into respectability.

Chiefs vs. Broncos

Mahomes and many of the stars will sit the final week off as the Chiefs have secured the #1 seed. The Broncos, who have now had two weeks to solidify their playoff positioning, have failed to do so. Sean Payton doesn't want to go into the playoffs on a three-game losing streak and hopes the Bengals and Dolphins lose. There is a great opportunity to avenge their blocked FG loss and punch their ticket to the playoffs.

Dolphins vs. Jets

Tua or no Tua, the Dolphins need to win against the Jets, and they hope the Chiefs' backups will pull off an upset. There is a path to the playoffs, but they need some help. Miami is playing a Jets team that could either fold and move on to the next season or come together for one last ride with Rodgers and Adams. Who knows what Jets team will show up? Regardless, Miami needs to handle business.

Sunday Night Football

Vikings vs. Lions

How lucky is the NFL? The NFC North has been one of the most competitive divisions all year. Three teams have 10 or more wins, and the last week of the season has a matchup for the #1 seed. These teams want to play indoors for the playoffs and will field a full lineup. The Vikings are healthier than the Lions, but the offense for Detroit can score at will on most opponents. Detroit's defense is a worry, but DC Aaron Glenn has put together enough stops to keep the Lions in the 'W' column. Minnesota didn't have answers for the Lions' attack last meeting, but Flores has been working toward this game all year. The Vikings have been playing more man coverage lately and added more to their laundry list of ways to get to the quarterback. The last game of the regular season should be a good one.

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