The NFL’s Week 18 is here, which means the playoffs are near.
There’s a full schedule of games this weekend, but only about half have real playoff implications.
In the AFC, the Denver Broncos lead a three-way race with the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals for the final Wild Card spot.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons are in desperation mode, looking to grab the final NFC playoff spot from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But there are a host of other battles in play — including for playoff position and the NFC crown.
Here is a preview of the most pivotal Week 18 games, how they impact NFL playoff brackets, and how to watch them.
Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens
Playoff Implications: The 11-5 Baltimore Ravens have won a playoff spot, but look to seal the AFC East with a win against the 3-13 Cleveland Browns — and the third seed in the AFC.
Time: Saturday, January 4, 2025, 4:30 PM Eastern
TV: ABC and ESPN
Streaming: ABC.com, ESPN, ESPN+, NFL+, and streaming platforms that offer ABC and ESPN (DirectTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu, and YouTube TV)
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Playoff Implications: The 8-8 Cincinnati Bengals look to catch the 9-7 Denver Broncos for the last playoff spot in the AFC. The Bengals have slim chances of making the playoffs. They not only need a win over the formidable Pittsburgh Steelers, but also a Broncos loss and a Dolphins loss or tie.
The 10-6 Steelers are playoff-bound, but look to catch the Ravens for AFC North and the third seed. A win on Saturday combined with a Ravens loss gets them there.
Time: Saturday, January 4, 2025, 8:00 PM Eastern
TV: ABC and ESPN
Streaming: ABC.com, ESPN, ESPN+, NFL+, and streaming platforms that offer ABC and ESPN (DirectTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu, and YouTube TV)
Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons
Playoff Implications: The 8-8 Atlanta Falcons are a game behind the 9-7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers for first place in the NFC South. A Falcons win, combined with a Buccaneers loss, would give Atlanta the division title and the fourth playoff seed.
Time: Sunday, January 5, 2025, 1:00 PM Eastern
TV: CBS
Streaming: CBS.com, Paramount+, NFL+
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Playoff Implications: The Buccaneers look to seal the NFC South title and a ticket to the Wild Card round. A win or a Falcons loss gets them division.
Time: Sunday, January 5, 2025, 1:00 PM Eastern
TV: Fox
Streaming: Fox Sports App, NFL+
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos
Playoff Implications: The 9-7 Broncos can clinch the final AFC playoff spot with a win — or if both the Bengals and Dolphins lose.
Time: Sunday, January 5, 2025, 4:25 PM Eastern
TV: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+
Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets
Playoff Implications: The 8-8 Miami Dolphins are on the outside looking in. They need a win over the lowly Jets, combined with a Broncos loss to get in.
Time: Sunday, January 5, 2025, 4:25 PM Eastern
TV: Fox
Streaming: Fox Sports app and website, NFL+
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Playoff Implications: The Los Angeles Chargers have secured a playoff spot, but could drop down to the 7th seed with a loss and a Broncos win.
Time: Sunday, January 5, 2025, 4:25 PM Eastern
TV: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
Playoff Implications: The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, both 14-2, battle for the NFC and NFC North crown — and a first-round bye.
Time: Sunday, January 5, 2025, 8:20 PM Eastern
TV: NBC
Streaming: NBC app, NBC.com, Peacock, NFL+
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