NFL Week 18: Sunday Night Football Showdown Possibilities

The Week 18 NFL schedule remains fluid, with the Sunday Night Football matchup hinging on several key games. A prime candidate for the coveted slot is the Green Bay Packers versus the Detroit Lions.

One scenario involves the Buffalo Bills defeating the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. This outcome sets up a pivotal New England Patriots versus Buffalo Bills game, with the Patriots needing a win for a playoff berth and the Bills vying for the #1 seed. However, this scenario presents a risk for NBC. If the Kansas City Chiefs lose to the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday, and the Bills win on Monday, Buffalo would already have the #1 seed locked up. This could lead to both teams resting starters, diminishing the game’s appeal. Similarly, if the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, and the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers lose earlier games, the Patriots would secure the #7 seed and might also rest players.

Another possibility involves the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals battling for the AFC North title, contingent on a Bills victory on Monday night. While significant, with the winner hosting a playoff game, a potential downside exists. These teams could face each other the following week in the Wild Card round. This raises concerns about coaches prioritizing player health over a Week 18 win, potentially leading to a less competitive game.

If the Bengals win on Monday Night Football, the AFC playoff picture would likely be settled before primetime, complicating the Sunday Night Football decision. The remaining games would hold less playoff seeding significance.

Even if the Seattle Seahawks beat the Los Angeles Rams, eliminating the Lions from playoff contention, the Packers-Lions game remains a strong contender. The Packers boast a large national following and a star quarterback. The Lions, regardless of playoff status, are expected to play hard, potentially creating an exciting upset. This matchup offers a compelling narrative: a Packers playoff push and a potential Lions upset victory.

While the Titans-Jaguars game has playoff implications, scheduling it on Saturday night gives the winner an extra day of rest before the playoffs. This arguably undermines competitive balance. A Dallas Cowboys or Pittsburgh Steelers game might have been a more suitable Saturday night choice, leading into Sunday’s crucial matchups.