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The final Sunday of the NFL regular season is always an exciting one. Division titles are at stake and the final playoff spots are set to be clinched, as the changing of channels will be a must in order to watch the games of utmost importance.
Week 18 is already set to be a memorable one in NFL history. Twenty teams remain in Super Bowl (televised by CBS and streamed via Paramount+) contention entering the final week, tied for the most with one week remaining in a full season (2006). Five playoff berths are unclaimed, the most entering the final week since there were seven in 2020. Four division titles are undecided, the most entering a season finale since there were also four in 2014.
Which Sunday games have playoff significance? We’ve got you covered:
Does this game matter? Yes (for the Buccaneers)
The Buccaneers need to win this game in order to clinch the NFC South. This is essentially a “win-and-in” for the Buccaneers, who miss the playoffs entirely with a loss. A Tampa Bay loss means the New Orleans and Atlanta winner wins the NFC South.
Does this game matter? No.
The Browns are locked into the No. 5 seed in the AFC and will be resting starters. The Bengals are eliminated from the playoffs.
Does this game matter? Yes
The Vikings are still alive in the race for the final playoff spot, but barely. Minnesota needs a win over Detroit in Week 18 and plenty of help to get into the playoffs. The Vikings get in with a win, Seahawks loss, Packers loss and a loss by either the Saints or Buccaneers. If the Packers, Buccaneers, Saints, or Seahawks win — the Vikings are eliminated.
The No. 2 seed is still in play for the Lions, who are currently the No. 3 seed. The Lions can be the No. 2 seed with a win, Cowboys loss, and Eagles loss. They are the No. 3 seed with a loss or if the Cowboys or Eagles win.
Does this game matter? No.
Both the Jets and the Patriots are eliminated from…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-playoff-scenarios-breaking-down-which-week-18-games-actually-matter-from-vikings-lions-to-bills-dolphins/
Author : Jeff Kerr
Publish date : 2024-01-07 18:01:14
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