All articles tagged with #week 18
A leaked report suggests Detroit will end the 2026 season vs. the Green Bay Packers, inferred from Week 18 being divisional and a Vikings–Bears Week 18 matchup. The full schedule drops Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Since 2021, Lions coach Dan Campbell has a 6-4 edge over the Packers, and Detroit has won every season finale in his tenure.
The Rams' Week 18 win over the Cardinals featured a high-pressure defense, a record for 13 personnel usage, and standout performances by tight ends and wide receiver Puka Nacua, contributing to their 37-20 victory and playoff positioning.
The Bears' 2025 Week 18 game against the Lions featured notable performances including Caleb Williams setting a franchise passing record, Kevin Byard leading the NFL in interceptions, and the Bears achieving a historic defensive streak, despite losing the game. The team secured the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and made several franchise and NFL history with their stats.
The Steelers narrowly defeated the Ravens 26-24 in a dramatic Week 18 game, securing the AFC North title and a playoff spot, with a last-second missed field goal by the Ravens' rookie Tyler Loop sealing the victory and setting up a Wild Card game against the Texans.
The Atlanta Falcons narrowly defeated the New Orleans Saints 19-17 in the NFL Week 18 season finale, ending the Saints' season with a 6-11 record and allowing the Carolina Panthers to win the NFC South. Despite a strong defensive effort and a late-game comeback led by quarterback Tyler Shough, the Saints fell short, with key performances from Shough and a resilient defense, including Cameron Jordan's 10.5 sacks.
The Patriots finished the regular season with a 38-10 win over the Dolphins, securing a 14-3 record and a playoff spot, and are preparing to face the Chargers in the Wild Card round, with key players returning and a focus on playing complete four-quarter games.
The Bills defeated the Jets 35-8 in Week 18, with Mitch Trubisky stepping in for Josh Allen, who played only one snap. Trubisky excelled, throwing four touchdowns, while the running backs combined for three touchdowns, and the defense held the Jets to just 122 yards, showcasing a strong finish to the season at Highmark Stadium.
The Detroit Lions finished their 2023 season with a 19-16 win against the Bears in Week 18, showcasing a strong offense and resilient effort despite the game’s lack of playoff implications. Key takeaways include a favorable 2026 schedule, improved offensive performance with some red zone struggles, a team that always fights hard regardless of the stakes, and a standout performance by Amon-Ra St. Brown in his season finale. The game highlighted the Lions' potential and determination under coach Dan Campbell, setting a positive outlook for the future.
The Buffalo Bills defeated the New York Jets 35-8 in Week 18 at Highmark Stadium, securing their sixth straight home win over the Jets and finishing the season strong with notable performances from Josh Allen, Reggie Gilliam, and Ty Johnson, while also achieving several team milestones.
The Rams secured the NFC's No. 5 seed with a 37-20 victory over the Cardinals in Week 18, earning a playoff matchup against the Panthers, while Matthew Stafford set career milestones in passing touchdowns and completions during the game.
The Bills' kicker Matt Prater was ruled out for the rest of the game against the Jets due to a right quad injury, after exiting in the third quarter. Mitch Wishnowsky replaced him for kickoffs, and the Bills attempted a two-point conversion following a touchdown in the game.
Andre Szmyt kicked a 49-yard game-winning field goal for the Browns in a close 20-18 victory over the Bengals, with key performances including a sack by Grant Delpit, a record-setting sack by Myles Garrett, and significant defensive plays like a fumble recovery touchdown and a pick-six. The game featured missed extra points by the Bengals and notable defensive efforts from Cleveland, culminating in a season-ending win for the Browns.
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy left the Week 18 game against the Packers early due to a hand injury, which was previously diagnosed as a small hairline fracture. He was replaced by rookie Max Brosmer, and the Vikings won the game 16-3. McCarthy's future as the franchise's quarterback remains uncertain due to injury concerns and inconsistent performance.
The Jacksonville Jaguars clinched the AFC South division title with a dominant 41-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 18, finishing the season with a 13-4 record and showcasing strong performances from Trevor Lawrence and the team, including record-setting field goals and a resilient defense.
Inactives for the Rams and Cardinals in Week 18 include key players like Davante Adams and Kevin Dotson for the Rams, and Max Melton for the Cardinals, mainly due to injuries or strategic decisions, affecting the lineup for the game at SoFi Stadium.