With several spots in the 2021 NFL playoffs not yet settled, most games can affect a team’s hopes of playing beyond the regular season.
Some teams control their fate, while others must await the results from other games to determine whether they’ll make it the top seven or not.
These possibilities make Week 18 NFL games a must-watch, especially for fans of teams hoping to clinch a postseason ticket.
Here are the most exciting scenarios during the last playing week before the playoffs.
3. San Francisco Or New Orleans?
Though the final seeding may still change, six of the seven NFC playoff spots are definite.
However, two teams still have a chance of making the cut.
Given certain conditions, the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints can still enter the NFL postseason.
A win by the 49ers or a loss by the Saints puts Kyle Shanahan’s crew in the running.
Likewise, a win by New Orleans and a loss by the Niners will have the Saints clinching a playoff berth instead.
Here’s all you need to know, #49ers and #Saints fans … pic.twitter.com/1HOX9ha5JW
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) January 4, 2022
The 49ers would get the final NFC postseason slot if both teams won or lost.
For Week 18, Sean Payton’s team will be on the road against division rival Atlanta Falcons.
Meanwhile, the 49ers will visit the Los Angeles Rams.
Based on the matchups, the Saints should have an easier road to a victory because the Rams are still playing for the NFC West title.
On the other hand, the Falcons have nothing to play for because they are out of playoff contention.
But then again, a team that does not carry any pressure is a dangerous adversary.
2. Which Team Will Get The AFC’s Top Seed?
The Green Bay Packers already clinched the top seed in the NFC and a Wild Card bye.
But the race for the number one spot in the AFC is still wide open.
Four teams are still in the running for the bye and home-field advantage throughout the AFC postseason.
The Tennessee Titans have the best odds of getting the top spot, and they can finalize their claim by winning against the Houston Texans.
If they don’t win, they can still be the number one seed if the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, and the New England Patriots all lose.
Is the best team in the AFC one we’re not really talking about?@richeisen on the #Titans after they took over the top seed with one week to play:#NFL pic.twitter.com/cRfnzfxT3i
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) January 3, 2022
Losses by Kansas City and Cincinnati and a victory by the Buffalo Bills get them the top seed.
The same scenario goes for the Chiefs as they need to win in Week 18 while the Bengals, Titans, and Patriots drop their matches.
Meanwhile, the Patriots can still win the AFC East if they win against the Miami Dolphins while the Bills lose.
New England has a chance to claim the top seed with a victory, plus losses from the Titans, Chiefs, and Bills.
1. Which Teams Will Complete The AFC Picture?
Five AFC teams are still fighting for the two remaining Wild Card spots.
It helps for the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Ravens to win in Week 18.
The Colts and the Chargers have the best shot of clinching a postseason berth because a win is all they need.
As we approach the FINAL week of the season, 3 playoff spots are open. The remaining teams in contention for those spots are…
– NFC: 49ers, Saints
– AFC: Colts, Chargers, Raiders, Steelers, Ravens pic.twitter.com/zK19jjAImk— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 3, 2022
The same goes for the Raiders, who must win at home against the Chargers.
Meanwhile, the Steelers can still have one last NFL postseason run with Ben Roethlisberger if they defeat the Ravens, the Colts lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Chargers-Raiders game does not end in a tie regardless of which team wins.
Finally, the Ravens can make it through if they defeat the Steelers plus defeats by the Colts, Chargers, and Dolphins.
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