We made it! All the upsets, all the unfortunate injuries, all the feel-good stories and moments from the past 17 weeks have led us to the NFL’s 2023-24 regular-season finale during which the final playoff spots, plus four division titles, will be determined.
All games on the schedule are divisional matchups plus the week is capped off by a great matchup to determine the AFC East champion.
SPREADS & TOTALS
– CLE (+7.0) at CIN (-7.0) | O/U: 37.5 (1 p.m. ET)
– MIN (+3.0) at DET (-3.0) | O/U: 45.5 (1 p.m. ET)
– JAX (-3.5) at TEN (+3.5) | O/U: 41.5 (1 p.m. ET)
– NYJ (+1.5) at NE (-1.5) | O/U: 30.5 (1 p.m. ET)
– ATL (+3.0) at NO (-3.0) | O/U: 42.5 (1 p.m. ET)
– TB (-4.5) at CAR (+4.5) | O/U: 37.5 (1 p.m. ET)
– CHI (+3.0) at GB (-3.0) | O/U: 45.5 (4:25 p.m. ET)
– DEN (+2.5) at LV (-2.5) | O/U: 37.5 (4:25 p.m. ET)
– PHI (-5.5) at NYG (+5.5) | O/U: 41.5 (4:25 p.m. ET)
– SEA (-3.0) at ARI (+3.0) | O/U: 47.5 (4:25 p.m. ET)
– KC (+3.5) at LAC (-3.5) | O/U: 35.5 (4:25 p.m. ET)
– LAR (+4.0) at SF (-4.0) | O/U: 41.5 (4:25 p.m. ET)
– DAL (-13.5) at WAS (+13.5) | O/U: 47.5 (4:25 p.m. ET)
– BUF (-2.5) at MIA (+2.5) | O/U: 48.5 (8:20 p.m. ET)
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With some teams having already clinched and others with zero shot at the post-season, a handful of games this week will play out as de facto exhibition matchups. The spreads and totals can be fickle in weeks like this, so wager accordingly (and, of course, responsibly) if you bet any games this weekend.
WEEK 18 STORYLINES TO FOLLOW
Bills at Dolphins a perfect conclusion to regular season: It’s possible the Buffalo Bills will have already clinched a playoff berth by default before kickoff Sunday night. A Jacksonville loss Sunday would result in Buffalo clinching. If the Jags win, that would mean the Bills would be in a position to win and be AFC East champs or lose and miss the playoffs entirely. Miami has clinched a playoff spot regardless, but the division title is up for grabs either way. Buffalo has won four in a row and five of six, while Miami is coming off a blowout loss to Baltimore and won’t have Jaylen Waddle.
Jags control fate of AFC South: In addition to how they might impact Buffalo’s chances, the Jaguars can control their own destiny with a win over the Titans. A Mike Vrabel-coached team in Week 18 with nothing to lose and Trevor Lawrence’s status not fully known? **sniff sniff** Is that an upset I smell? Jacksonville holds the tiebreak over both Houston and Indianapolis. The Texans will have to wait on the result of Jacksonville-Tennessee to see if they’ll have a home game in the opening round or if they’ll have to hit the road.
Bucs in the NFC South driver seat: The NFL’s other South Division is in a similar situation with the Buccaneers in control of their own destiny with a favourable matchup in front of them. If Tampa Bay is upset by Carolina, then the Falcons-Saints game will be for a division title and home playoff game.
Coaching carousel: In addition to a plethora of players getting an early opportunity to compete for jobs next season, this week will inevitably be the final week for a handful of head coaches with their teams. Is this the final Patriots game called by Bill Belichick? Is it merely a matter of time before Washington and Ron Rivera part ways? Which NFC South team(s) that ends up missing the playoffs will make a coaching change soon? Dennis Allen of the Saints and Atlanta’s Arthur Smith could potentially both be out of a job next week, depending on how Sunday unfolds.
Which teams can play it safe? The Chiefs and Browns are locked in, so Patrick Mahomes and Joe Flacco are among the star players on those teams not suiting up. The 49ers and Rams could conceivably play each other in the divisional round if L.A. wins its wild-card matchup and both of these NFC West teams hope to avoid any setbacks heading into the playoffs. San Francisco is in a similar position as Baltimore as the NFC’s top team, while Rams’ rookie Puka Nacua can break the NFL’s single-season rookie record for both receptions and receiving yards. He is three catches and 28 yards shy of tying the records. Fans hoping to see Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald, Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey will be sorely disappointed.
Draft order implications: The Panthers clinched 32nd place with their shutout loss last week, which means the Bears are guaranteed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 4-12 Commanders, Patriots and Cardinals each have a chance at the No. 2 overall selection. Washington, the biggest underdog of the week, would ensure the No. 2 pick with a loss to Dallas.
