Some teams have nothing but pride to play for in Week 18.
The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, for example, have already locked down the top speeds and first round byes in their respective conferences. On the other side of the spectrum, 10 other teams have zero playoff aspirations. The only thing left to be decided in the final week of their seasons is where they’ll wind up picking in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Somewhere in the middle lie the games that matter. Some count only for seeding and the right to host a postseason game or two. Others are a de facto playoff game against a division rival for one or both teams involved.
Which games deserve the most attention? Let’s break down the seven most important games for the 2024 NFL Playoff field, starting with the teams that need the most help and finishing with an AFC South showdown that unofficially kicks off the “win or go home” season in Week 18.