Ranking 5 games with the biggest playoff implications in Week 18 2025

charles curtis

Sun, 5 Jan 2025, 8:43 am·2-min read

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings leaves the field after beating the Green Bay Packers 27-24 at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776151575 ORIG FILE ID: 2191796881

Welcome to Week 18, the final day of the regular season in which some teams will have their hearts broken, while others will punch their ticket to the playoffs.

While the playoff picture is mostly clear, there are a few postseason scenarios that need to play out on Sunday after a fun Saturday of NFL action. And if you're here, you may be wondering: which games have the most at stake for the playoff picture?

We have an answer! Here's a ranking of the most dramatic games on the schedule in Week 18 2025. Let's go from not so dramatic to NAIL BITING (all times Eastern):

5. Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. on CBS

Dec 29, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball against the Washington Commanders during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

We start with one of the games that could decide the NFC South. The Falcons need to win this game, but also need the Bucs to lose. So you may want to tune in to make sure the Panthers don't play spoiler.

4. New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. on Fox

Dec 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

It's easy: they win and they grab the NFC South title. So the Falcons game above may not matter.

3. Miami Dolphins at New York Jets, 4:25 p.m. on Fox

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 08: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins reacts after the Dolphins defeated the New York Jets, 32-26, in overtime at Hard Rock Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776151521 ORIG FILE ID: 2188922871

You'd have to subject yourself to watching what might be a very sloppy football game, but the Fins need to win no matter what in order to have a shot at the postseason.

2. Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. on CBS

Nov 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) is hit by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill (23) while throwing during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

A win against the Chiefs who will rest their starters and they're in the playoffs.

1. Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions, 8:20 p.m. on NBC

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with Jared Goff #16 after his touchdown reception against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776151555 ORIG FILE ID: 2191107029

Of course the NFL made sure this game finished up the season, with the winner of this game getting the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a bye. A must-watch for sure.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Ranking 5 games with the biggest playoff implications in Week 18 2025