Big games with high stakes take place in the final week of the regular season.
The last game of the NFL regular season features the Baltimore Ravens at the Pittsburgh Steelers, with the AFC North title on the line. Is that the best game in Week 18? Or is there another matchup that ranks as the top one with the regular season winding down? There will be some drama in most places. And for sure, Raiders fans will be riveted watching to see if their team can find a way to lose to the Chiefs and win the first pick in the 2026 NFL draft. There is always a Silver and Black lining for Las Vegas faithful.
16. Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders: CBS, Jan. 4, 4:25 p.m.
The Raiders tank their way to the No. 1 draft pick against a third-string Chiefs quarterback. The league needs a draft lottery. Prediction: Chiefs 17, Raiders 9
15. Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals: CBS, Jan. 4, 1 p.m.
The battle of Ohio with no meaning. Absolutely none. Prediction: Bengals 20, Browns 17
14. Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants: FOX, Jan. 4, 1 p.m.
The teams staged a barnburner in their first meeting. This one should feature plenty of offense, too. The Giants will be more offensive, as in bad. Prediction: Cowboys 34, Giants 21
13. New York Jets at Buffalo Bills: CBS, Jan. 4, 4:25 p.m.
And the first year of the Aaron Glenn era ends the way it began: With a loss. Will James Cook get enough action to capture the rushing title? That's the lone drama. Prediction: Bills 30, Jets 10
12. Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots: FOX, Jan. 4, 4:25 p.m.
The Patriots will clobber the Dolphins. Good luck to Quinn Ewers against this defense. And Drake Maye completes his MVP season. Prediction: Patriots 35, Dolphins 7
11. Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams: FOX, Jan. 4, 4:25 p.m.
The Rams could put up 50 here if they try. Will it be Jonathan Gannon's last game as Cardinals coach? Prediction: Rams 38, Cardinals 14
10. Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars: FOX, Jan. 4, 1 p.m.
The Jaguars harass Cam Ward and Titans. They complete a remarkable turnaround and wind up AFC South champs. Great going Jax. Prediction: Jaguars 30, Titans 16
9. Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans: CBS, Jan. 4, 1 p.m.
Will the Texans' defense thwart Jonathan Taylor as he tries to catch Cook in the rushing race? Absolutely. Prediction: Texans 23, Colts 13
8. New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons: FOX, Jan. 4, 1 p.m.
This is a tough one. Both teams are playing well. The Saints have shown a lot of life and the Falcons managed not to blow the lead against the Rams. Atlanta just plays well enough to lose. Prediction: Saints 27, Falcons 23
7. Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: ESPN/ABC, Jan. 3 4:30 p.m.
Yes, the Buccaneers are home. Baker Mayfield is banged up. This would be a huge step forward for Carolina to earn a playoff spot. As much as ESPN talent shills it like a big deal, the NFC South is the worst division in football. So, the game could be thrilling because both teams are adequate at best. Prediction: Panthers 28, Buccaneers 27
6. Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings: CBS, Jan. 4, 1 p.m.
The Vikings are finishing stronger. Their defense under Brian Flores is remarkable. Green Bay is playing to get next week and the wild card as it is locked in at 7. Prediction: Vikings 26, Packers 13
5. Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles: CBS, Jan. 4, 4:25 p.m.
The Eagles have a shot at the second seed. They catch a great matchup against the Commanders, who are finished. Look for Philly to have a big game and send Dan Quinn and Washingto home with a loss. Prediction: Eagles 33, Commanders 20
4. Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos: CBS, Jan. 4, 4:25 p.m.
No Justin Herbert, no chance for the Bolts. Prediction: Broncos 27, Chargers 9
3. Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears: FOX, Jan. 4, 4:25 p.m.
Who thought the Lions would be in the spoiler role here? If they can defeat the Bears, it would likely leave Chicago as the three seed. The Detroit defense is simply too banged up to pull the upset. Prediction: Bears 35, Lions 27
2. Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers: NBC, Jan. 4, 8:20 p.m.
The AFC North is on the line as teams who have played okay football all season knock helmets. Which veteran makes the playoffs, Derrick Henry or Aaron Rodgers? Everything points to the Steelers despite missing D.K. Metcalf. So, we will go with the Ravens. Prediction: Ravens 23, Steelers 20
1. Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers: ESPN/ABC, Jan. 3, 8 p.m.
This s by far the best matchup with the No. 1 seed in the NFC on the line. The team that loses will have to go on the road for a wild-card game. Another ridiculous part of the NFL playoff scheme. Both should be home with the NFC South squad on the road. Sam Darnold has been shaky in big games. This is a big game. Prediction: 49ers 37, Seahawks 34
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: NFL Week 18: Schedule rankings and predictions
Category: General Sports
