The NFL regular season concludes on January 4, 2025, with Week 18 matchups that will finalize playoff seeds and division titles across both conferences. Key games include the Patriots seeking the AFC's top seed against the Dolphins, the Jaguars aiming to clinch the AFC South over the Titans, and the Eagles pursuing the NFC's No. 2 seed versus the Commanders. Analysts predict competitive finishes, with several underdogs poised to cover spreads amid resting starters and injury concerns.
As the 2025 NFL regular season draws to a close, Week 18 presents a mix of high-stakes divisional clashes and meaningless finales, with playoff implications hanging in the balance for several teams. The New England Patriots, already AFC East champions under coach Mike Vrabel, can secure the conference's No. 1 seed and a first-round bye with a victory over the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium, provided the Denver Broncos lose to the Los Angeles Chargers. Quarterback Drake Maye, a heavy MVP favorite at -295 odds, leads the league in completion percentage (71.7%), yards per attempt (8.9), and passer rating (112.9) after a stellar 42-10 win over the Jets last week, where he completed 90% of passes for 250 yards and five touchdowns.
In the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars, riding a seven-game winning streak under first-year coach Liam Coen, face the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium. A win clinches the division for Jacksonville, who boast an elite run defense allowing just 20.6 points per game. Trevor Lawrence has thrived with 26 passing and nine rushing touchdowns, joining elite company like Kyler Murray and Josh Allen. Meanwhile, rookie Titans QB Cam Ward has thrown for two or more touchdowns in four straight games, showing improved consistency.
The NFC East-champion Philadelphia Eagles host the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field, resting starters like Jalen Hurts in favor of backup Tanner McKee to preserve health for the playoffs. Philadelphia can rise to the No. 2 seed with a win and a Bears loss, or a tie and Bears defeat. McKee impressed in his lone start last season with 269 yards and two touchdowns, facing a depleted Commanders squad starting journeyman Josh Johnson. Coach Nick Sirianni emphasized the long game: "Your seeding’s not locked down yet, but you are thinking, ‘Hey, can I put ourselves in the best position seeding wise?’"
Other notable games include the AFC North showdown between the Ravens and Steelers on Sunday Night Football, where Baltimore is favored by 3.5 points, and the NFC North finale between the Bears and Lions, with Chicago eyeing the No. 2 NFC seed. The Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers battle Saturday for the NFC South title, with Tampa favored by 2.5 points but mired in a four-game skid. Analysts like Pete Prisco predict close outcomes, with the Buccaneers edging Carolina 27-21. Injuries loom large, including Josh Allen's foot soreness for Buffalo and Stefon Diggs' off-field issues for New England, yet Diggs is expected to play.
Overall, Week 18 underscores the NFL's unpredictability, with resting players and motivated spoilers shaping the postseason landscape. As Sean McDermott of the Bills noted, "We want to win the game. That's number one."
