Scott Clark
Jan 01, 2024 - 04:35

NFL Playoff Picture: Dolphins, Bills, Vikings, Steelers Week 18 Scenarios

"2023 NFL regular season coming to a close with teams competing for playoff spots, must-win matchups in Week 18."

As the 2023 NFL regular season winds down, the competition for remaining playoff spots is heating up. Week 18 is packed with must-win matchups and a lot on the line for teams vying for postseason berths. From wild card spots to division titles, there's plenty to be decided in the final week of the regular season.

Taking a closer look at the current playoff picture, it's clear that there are still teams fighting for their spot in the postseason. While some have already secured their place, others are still alive in the playoff race. Here's a snapshot of the current playoff picture as we head into Week 18:

1. Baltimore Ravens (13-3): Clinched the AFC North and No. 1 Seed
2. Miami Dolphins (11-5): Clinched a postseason berth and lead AFC East

One of the most crucial matchups in Week 18 is the game between the Vikings and the Lions. With the Lions already clinching the division as a top-three seed in the NFC, the Vikings must secure a win in their season finale against Detroit to keep their playoff hopes alive. Additionally, they'll need some help from other teams to secure a postseason spot.

According to the Sportskeeda Playoff Predictor, the Packers must lose to the Bears in Week 18, the Seahawks must lose to the Cardinals, and the Falcons must defeat the Saints for the Vikings to claim the No. 7 seed in the NFC.

In another pivotal Week 18 matchup, the Bills and the Patriots will battle it out for the AFC East title and the No. 2 seed in the AFC. The stakes are high, as the loser will drop to the No. 6 seed and hit the road to kick off the postseason.

However, there's a chance that the Bills could miss the playoffs with a loss. If the Steelers beat the Ravens on the road and the Jaguars defeat the Titans, the winner of the Colts-Texans matchup would claim the No. 6 seed, leaving the Bills out of the playoff picture.

For Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, a win over the Ravens in the season finale is crucial for their postseason hopes. If they come up short against their AFC North rivals, the Steelers will be watching the playoffs from home this season. With so much at stake in Week 18, the competition is fierce as teams battle for their spot in the postseason.