This Week 18 slate of Sunday games has a lot riding on them for the final Playoff spot in each conference. Some teams just need a win and they’re, while others need wins from other teams in order to get in. Here’s how I think each game will go and who it will put in the Playoffs.
Game One- Buffalo Bills Beat New England Patriots 30-24
In the AFC the Patriots are the only win and in team, but it is hard to see them getting it done this week. The Bills have shown time and time again that they are one of the best teams in all of football and the Patriots have been highly on and off this season, especially in away games. Along with the fact that the Bills are just a better team, they are playing this game with a purpose, to show how much they care for their teammate Damar Hamlin.
Game Two- Pittsburgh Steelers Beat Cleveland Browns 24-21
The Steelers were counted out many weeks ago due to how bad they were playing, then all of the sudden they sneak up on the whole NFL and they are almost in the Playoffs. The Browns have been playing decent football as of late, but being in Pittsburgh and already being eliminated may be enough to let the Steelers pull ahead early and keep the lead even if the Browns keep it close. With them having the clearly superior defense and a little bit of Mike Tomlin’s magic the Steelers should be able to win this game, and would only need a Dolphins loss now to make the Playoffs.
Game Three- New York Jets Beat Miami Dolphins 17-14
Now it’s pretty clear that when both of these teams are healthy the Dolphins are the better team, but the Dolphins will be forced to start Skylar Thompson this week due to Tua’s and Teddy Bridgewater’s injuries. The last time these two teams matched up, while it was in New York, the Dolphins were forced to start Skylar Thompson and the Jets blew them out of the water 40-17. The Jets will be starting Joe Flacco due to Mike White being injured so this should be a slow game, but I think the Jets pull it off, putting the Steelers in the Playoffs.
Game Four- Seattle Seahawks Beat Los Angeles Rams 31-27
If the Seahawks want to make the Playoffs they need to win this game and then hope the Lions win, even though they would’ve just eliminated them here. The Rams have already said they are going to try their best to beat the Seahawks to help out the Lions, but that is extremely unrealistic with how bad the Rams have been playing this year and with all of their injuries. Not only are the Seahawks the home team, but they are the better and healthier team, so while the Rams will try and give them a fight the Seahawks should win this game.
Game Five- Detroit Lions Beat Green Bay Packers 34-31
The Seahawks need the Lions to win badly to make the Playoffs and I think they get it. The Lions have already beat the Packers this year and have been playing overall better football recently, playing in Green Bay will make this extremely hard for the Lions but if they can do what they were able to do against the Jets then they should have a good shot here. You could argue that the Lions will be discouraged because they already know they have no shot at the Playoffs in this scenario, but Dan Campbell has already said that regardless of the outcome they are playing this game to beat Green Bay.
