The 2021 NFL regular season is down to its final week, and playoff positions are still up for contention.
In the NFC, two teams are still fighting for one playoff spot, while the second to fifth seed may still change depending on the results.
On the other hand, the top seed in the AFC is still up for grabs even if the Tennessee Titans have the best chance of clinching that spot.
More importantly, five teams are still fighting for the final two Wild Card slots in the AFC.
2021 NFL Playoff Scenarios for Week 18: pic.twitter.com/PqB4IDQaXv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 4, 2022
That said, there will be several NFL Week 18 games with massive implications.
If there are big games, upsets are bound to happen.
Here are three teams that might pull off the shocker in the last week before the NFL postseason.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers Defeat Baltimore Ravens
Even if the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens are just a game apart record-wise, Pittsburgh winning over Baltimore is still an upset because the Ravens will play at home.
Mike Tomlin will have his 15th straight non-losing season, whether they win or lose.
But the Steelers will have motivation because of their glimmer of opportunity in making the playoffs.
Ben Roethlisberger wouldn’t want to lose his final regular-season game as well.
T.J. Watt would also like to break Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record.
Just a simple man dominating his way through the NFL. pic.twitter.com/naISacV1do
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 5, 2022
Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes depend on other results happening.
After defeating the Ravens, the Indianapolis Colts must lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers cannot settle in a tie, regardless of which team wins.
Roethlisberger can make one playoff push before walking off into the sunset if those things happen.
2. Miami Dolphins Defeat New England Patriots
The Miami Dolphins defeated the New England Patriots in their first encounter this season, even if it was just a one-point victory.
However, New England suddenly lost two of their last three games after winning seven straight.
Their two defeats came against the Colts and the Buffalo Bills, which could both be playoff-bound.
The Patriots have clinched their postseason berth, but they will be playing Week 18 at Miami.
Getting ready for #NEvsMIA 😤#FinsUp x @BaptistHealthSF pic.twitter.com/LqsR40d9YE
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 5, 2022
The Dolphins are no pushover lately because they’ve won seven of their last eight games.
They lost their Week 17 game versus the Titans, but they were playing on the road.
Brian Flores is hoping for a solid finish to their season and might let their starters play.
That’s a recipe for disaster for the Patriots, who still have a chance to clinch the top seed in the AFC.
1. Detroit Lions Defeat Green Bay Packers
This game could be the biggest upset of the week if Aaron Rodgers plays.
However, there’s a chance that he and some of the Green Bay Packers’ starters won’t participate because it’s a no-bearing game.
At 13-3, they’ve already locked the top seed in the NFC, and they couldn’t risk their stars from getting injured.
That said, Matt LaFleur might decide to have his starters take a step back against their division rival in Week 18.
On adversity pic.twitter.com/pR2BxqxftI
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 6, 2022
Two weeks of rest would give their starters fresh legs for the Divisional round and beyond.
The Detroit Lions have a shot in defeating a Jordan Love-led Packers when that happens.
Getting a third win is an outstanding achievement for Lions head coach Dan Campbell, especially in providing more proof in keeping his job.
don’t forget the las vegas to upset la chargers