Happy New Year everybody! We’ve made it to the end of the 2025 NFL regular season! It feels like just yesterday I wrote my Season Preview blog, going over my predictions for division winners and end of season awards. Unfortunately, when it winds down to Week 18, a majority of the games tend to be pretty meaningless. This season, there are really only a few games with any playoff implications, so I’ll focus my analysis on those more important contests. Also, I’ll write a short blog in the coming weeks about the playoffs and recapping my award predictions once those are settled. Let’s jump right into it!
PICKS (164-92 Overall)
Carolina Panthers (8-8) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- Saturday features two of the most important games this week, with this game being for the NFC South crown. Technically, Carolina only needs to win in order to claim the crown, while the Bucs need a win and an Atlanta loss. Tampa has had an all-time collapse in the second half of this season, while Carolina has continued their steady run staying around .500. I think Tampa will win this game at home, leaving the fate of the division up to Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons.
Seattle Seahawks (13-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- This NFC West clash is a battle for the #1 seed in the NFC, and what an exciting battle it will be. Seattle’s stellar defense vs. San Francisco’s hyper-efficient offense. Brock Purdy’s play has been MVP-worthy in the past month, and I think the Niners keep it rolling at home to earn home-field advantage.
Indianapolis Colts (8-8) @ Houston Texans (11-5)
- Houston is in the playoffs no matter what, but they are playing for seeding. Depending on how the games go, they can be as high as the #3 seed or as low as the #7 seed. It’s looking like it will be Riley Leonard at QB for Indy, but I don’t think it will matter against this Texans defense.
Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1) @ New York Giants (3-13)
- Here’s a pretty meaningless game, except if you’re interested in draft position. QB Dak Prescott is slated to play, and the Cowboys are just a more talented team overall. I’ll take Dallas.
Cleveland Browns (4-12) @ Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)
- This game is similar as above, with only draft position on the line. Cincinnati is far more talented, and I think they put on a show against the Browns.
New Orleans Saints (6-10) @ Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
- Depending on how Saturday goes, this game could be extremely irrelevant or must-watch TV. Based on my pick above, I think this will be a very important clash between two NFC South teams eliminated from playoff contention. I’ll take the Falcons, meaning I still have the Panthers making the playoffs with a loss.
Green Bay Packers (9-6-1) @ Minnesota Vikings (8-8)
- Green Bay is resting its starters on Sunday, which always complicates predictions for game outcomes. I like the Vikings’ uniforms better, which obviously means I’m taking them in Week 18.
Tennessee Titans (3-13) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Jacksonville is also playing for seeding, with their playoff berth already locked up. They can earn the #1 seed in the AFC with a win and some help or can be as low as the #7 seed. They should pick up a home win against a poor Titans team.
Arizona Cardinals (3-13) @ Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- The Rams are playing their starters, which has not always been the case for them in Week 18’s of prior years. I won’t overthink this one, Rams win big.
Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) @ Denver Broncos (13-3)
- A lot of seeding on the line for both teams here. It’s been very difficult to win on the road in Denver over the years, especially in early January. The Broncos’ defense continues to shine, and I think they end the year on a win and riding the momentum into the playoffs.
Kansas City Chiefs (6-10) @ Las Vegas Raiders (2-14)
- This game really means nothing. Kansas City is a much more talented team, with better coaching as well. Chiefs all the way.
Miami Dolphins (7-9) @ New England Patriots (13-3)
- New England is playing for home-field advantage, needing a win and a Denver loss. We’ll see if the Dolphins can keep pace with Drake Maye and this offense, but I don’t see that being likely.
Washington Commanders (4-12) @ Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Not much to say about this one. I’ll take the Eagles, as they need every win they can get heading into the playoffs.
Detroit Lions (8-8) @ Chicago Bears (11-5)
- This game affects several other teams for seeding purposes, but if the Bears win, they lock up the #2 seed. I would not be surprised if the Lions come out and make this one interesting, but I’ll take the team that’s been a better team all around this year.
New York Jets (3-13) @ Buffalo Bills (11-5)
- Buffalo is playing for seeding, but they can only get as high as #5, which guarantees them a wildcard matchup on the road to start the playoffs. They are a FAR better team, and I think they come out and show it in this one.
Baltimore Ravens (8-8) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
- One of the most important games, saved for Sunday Night Football. Of course, the Steelers were unable to beat the Browns last week, meaning they will be playing for the AFC North crown in Week 18. Both of these teams have had very underwhelming seasons, and unfortunately, I think the Steelers blew their chance at the playoffs by losing last week. Pittsburgh’s offense looked horrendous without D.K. Metcalf, and I think the Ravens will run all over this Steelers’ defense. It pains me to say this, but I’m taking Baltimore.
BETS (29-21 Overall)
San Francisco Moneyline (+120)
Colts/Texans Over 38.5 points (-110)
Jakobi Meyers Anytime TD (+125)
FANTASY
Fantasy wrapped up last week, so nothing in this section to close out the season.
Have a great final week of the NFL regular season, hopefully your teams finish strong (or poorly if you only care about the draft!)