NFL Week 18: Playoff Picture Intensifies in Race for Final Spots
The final week of the NFL regular season promises intense action as teams battle for the remaining playoff spots With four spots up for grabs, Sunday's games, including Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Commanders, will determine the fate of these teams Don't miss the excitement, catch the games live!
The NFL season is coming to a close this weekend, with plenty still up in the air for the postseason. While 10 teams have already clinched their spots, there are four playoff positions still up for grabs. Although Baltimore has locked in the AFC's No. 1 seed, guaranteeing them a first-round bye and home field advantage, the No. 2 seed will be determined on Sunday Night Football.
The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills will face off in a game that holds greater significance for the Bills, who are at risk of not making it to the postseason.
In the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers have secured the top seed. The Dallas Cowboys could clinch the 2nd seed and NFC East division title if they win against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
The Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are both in need of wins to advance from the regular season. A loss for the Buccaneers could mean that either the New Orleans Saints or the Atlanta Falcons will advance from the NFC South. Here's a look at the key matchups for Week 18's marquee Sunday games.
Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills, 8:20 p.m. ET
The Dolphins have secured their spot in the postseason, but they need to win on Sunday to clinch the AFC's No. 2 seed and the AFC East division title. Meanwhile, the Bills are in a do-or-die situation. With the Pittsburgh Steelers defeating the Ravens on Saturday, a loss for the Bills on Sunday would result in Buffalo missing out on the playoffs altogether.
"We've approached it as if we've already been in the playoffs," said quarterback Josh Allen to reporters. "It's been all about survival, advancing, and winning, or else we go home. This week is no different. We don't want to depend on anyone else. In our minds, this game is a must-win."
With four consecutive victories, including wins against the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and the formidable Dallas Cowboys, the Bills are entering the match-up with confidence. Despite a turbulent season, the Bills appear to be finding their groove at the perfect time.
Josh Allen and the Bills are hitting their stride at the right time in the season.
Gregory Fisher/USA Today Sports/Reuters
"It's playoff football," commented offensive lineman Dion Dawkins. "We live for these moments. It's a different mindset, but we've been in this mode for some time now, so it's not like flipping a switch. That switch flipped after the Week 12 Eagles game and even during the Eagles game, but we're here."
As the season reaches its conclusion, Miami is encountering a multitude of obstacles. The Fins recently experienced a crushing 56-19 defeat against the Super Bowl-favorite Ravens. Notably, receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back Raheem Mostert were sidelined due to injury, while cornerback Xavien Howard and pass rusher Bradley Chubb also suffered significant injuries.
Even though they've faced recent setbacks, head coach Mike McDaniel commended his team for their resilience and growth.
"You have to face challenges together in order to grow closer and develop the necessary qualities to make significant progress when facing tough opponents who are equally determined to win," McDaniel stated.
"So when push comes to shove, somethings got to give. Its all that that you compile for these moments, which is what you work for, what you play for."Â
The Miami Dolphins have suffered a series of setbacks, but still have an explosive offense.
Michael Owens/Getty Images
The Dolphins can relax knowing that they will still have a postseason game, regardless of Sunday's outcome. However, the result will determine whether the next game will be played at home or away. It's important to mention that the Dolphins have a strong home record under coach McDaniel, with a 13-3 record, including 7-1 this season, making hosting a playoff game especially beneficial.
Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Commanders, 4:25 p.m. ET
Like Miami, Dallas has already clinched a spot in the postseason, but there is much to be won on Sunday.
The Cowboys have the opportunity to clinch the NFC East division title and secure home-field advantage for the Wild Card and potentially the Divisional round with a win against Washington.
Dallas has an impressive 8-0 record at AT&T Stadium this season but has struggled against top talent on the road. Securing home-field advantage would greatly benefit them.
Dallas only needs to defeat the last-place Commanders, who have lost seven consecutive games and are no longer in playoff contention, in order to accomplish this goal.
Linebacker Micah Parsons expressed his team's excitement for the opportunity to win the division and emphasized the importance of making a statement by winning and preparing for the playoffs. He stressed the need to prove that they are the superior, more dominant, and aggressive team.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks tries to avoid a tackle by Detroit Lions cornerback Kindle Vildor.
The game holds little significance for Washington, as their season is already considered a loss. Winning on Sunday would only provide the Commanders with the satisfaction of defeating a longstanding rival.
"The players understand that this is one of the top rivalries in the NFL. Regardless of the team's record, this is an opportunity to play against a team like this," stated Washington head coach Ron Rivera. Some argue that it may be better for the Commanders to lose in order to secure a higher draft spot for next year. Currently, Washington would have the second pick, behind the Chicago Bears.
Schedule
Sunday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers, 1:00 p.m. ETÂ
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 p.m. ETÂ Â
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions, 1:00 p.m. ETÂ
New York Jets @ New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m. ETÂ
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints, 1:00 p.m. ETÂ
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m. ET
Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ETÂ
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers, 4:25 p.m. ETÂ
Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ETÂ
Denver Broncos @ Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m. ETÂ
Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants, 4:25 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m. ETÂ
Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Commanders 4:25 p.m. ETÂ
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins, 8:20 p.m. ETÂ
How to watch
Heres how to catch these teams in action, from wherever you are:
Australia: NFL+, ESPN, 7Plus
Brazil: NFL+, ESPN
Canada: NFL+, CTV, TSN, RDS
Germany: NFL+, ProSieben MAXX, DAZN
Mexico: NFL+, TUDN, ESPN, Fox Sports, We
UK: NFL+, We, ITV, Channel 5
US: NFL+, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, Amazon Prime
