CBS Sports analyst John Breech has released his predictions for the NFL's final regular-season week, focusing on the two remaining playoff spots and seeding implications. With no clinched seeds in the AFC except one in the NFC, Breech anticipates a chaotic weekend featuring games like the 49ers versus Seahawks for the NFC's top seed. He warns that Week 18's unpredictability stems from teams potentially resting starters.
The NFL enters its regular-season finale with high stakes, as Breech notes in his weekly picks column. Only two playoff berths remain unclaimed, and none of the seven AFC seeds are locked in, while the Packers hold the NFC's seventh spot. Breech describes the week as a 'drunken crapshoot' due to uncertainties over which players will participate.
In a marquee Saturday matchup, the 12-4 49ers host the 13-3 Seahawks at 8 p.m. ET, with the winner securing the NFC West title and No. 1 seed, earning a playoff bye. Breech picks San Francisco 27-24, citing Brock Purdy's recent hot streak averaging 242.3 passing yards since Week 11, compared to Sam Darnold's 226.9. He sticks with his preseason choice of the 49ers for the top seed, emphasizing the advantage: since 2020, No. 1 seeds have reached the Super Bowl 50% of the time.
Earlier Saturday, the 8-8 Panthers visit the 7-9 Buccaneers at 4:30 p.m. ET in a tangled NFC South race complicated by the Falcons' Monday win. A Buccaneers victory might not clinch the division due to potential three-way tie, but Breech favors Tampa Bay 23-20 at home, where Carolina is 0-5 this decade. He doubts Baker Mayfield's form, noting eight interceptions in his last seven games versus 16 touchdowns in the first nine.
Sunday features the Jaguars (12-4) hosting the 3-13 Titans at 1 p.m. ET to clinch the AFC South; Breech sees Jacksonville 31-13, praising Trevor Lawrence's emergence after early struggles. The 8-8 Ravens at 9-7 Steelers (8:20 p.m. ET) could decide AFC North seeding, with Breech picking Baltimore 23-20 despite Lamar Jackson's back injury. Other picks include Broncos 27-13 over resting Chargers, Rams 31-20 over Cardinals, and quick forecasts like Falcons 24-17 over Saints.
Breech's overall straight-up record stands at 157-98-1 after going 9-7 last week.
