The excitement of the regular season finale was dampened by the events that unfolded on Monday Night in Cincinnati. Damar Hamlin is in critical condition after suffering a cardiac arrest following a tackle on wide receiver Tee Higgins. It was hard for his teammates, family, and fans to watch the player fighting for his life. It was a powerful reminder that life is more precious than any business or sport. The outpouring of emotions stemming from the incident will be something to watch for in week 18 as the players return to the field with heavy hearts. Week 18 is an odd week to predict games because some teams are thinking about Cancun, others are resting for the playoffs, and some are fighting for their lives. In this article, we will be discussing the five hottest matchups in week 18. Before we dig deeper into the matchups, here are two predictions: 1. I have the Eagles beating the Giants to win the number one seed and NFC East, and 2. I have the Browns playing spoiling for the Steelers with a close victory to end their season.
Last week’s record: 3-1, to be determined
Overall Record: 58-26
1. Tennessee Titans (7-9) at Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)-Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ABC, ESPN)
This game is a winner-take-all for the AFC South Division, and it is a microcosm of why playing your best football when it matters in December is what counts. If both teams were on a compass, it would be pointing south for the Titans because they are on a six-game losing streak. However, things are pointing north for the Jaguars because they are currently on a four-game winning streak. The Titans are decimated by injuries with quarterback Ryan Tannehill who will not feature for the rest of the season. The potential of a backup quarterback playing means the Titans will have to lean on Derrick Henry, who is also nursing a hip injury. I like the Jaguars winning at home in a rabid Saturday night primetime atmosphere.
Jaguars 28-Titans 17
2. New England Patriots (8-8) at Buffalo Bills (12-3)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
The Patriots will look back on this season knowing they squandered many opportunities to clinch a spot in the playoffs than to go into Buffalo on the final day to win. Back-to-back losses to the Raiders and Bengals deep in the fourth quarter due to turnovers will ultimately be their demise. The task of beating these Bills grew exponentially because of Monday’s emotional events. The Bills will be motivated to win, move closer to home-field advantage and knock out their long-time nemesis from Foxboro. I like Josh Allen to deliver a big performance once again versus the Patriots, but I hope I am wrong.
Bills 30-Patriots 20
3. New York Jets (7-9) at Miami Dolphins (8-8)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)
It will be interesting to see if the Jets play for pride after their elimination from playoff contention last weekend. If their defense shows up this season, this game is a coin flip because they might be the best unit in this matchup. The Dolphins are still searching on offense for rhythm, and it appears the unit will be without Tua and Teddy Bridgewater, who are dealing with a concussion and injury. I think Miami has the weapons, and it will only take one highlight-reeling play to turn this game on its head from Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle. I like the Dolphins in a close win.
Dolphins 20-Jets 17
4. Baltimore Ravens (10-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (11-4)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
The Bengals head into this matchup still in contention for the number-one seed if the Chiefs and Bills lose their respective games. The action in the first quarter of the postponed Monday Night game showed why they are a lethal team at this time of the year. The team won the toss, took the ball, and marched down the field to score a touchdown. The Ravens, on the other hand, have struggled to score points without Lamar Jackson. Although their defense has improved, I think the Bengals’ offense has too much firepower for them to slow them down on the road.
Bengals 27-Ravens 20
5. Detroit Lions (8-8) at Green Bay Packers (8-8)-Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
It is amazing how things can be different after a month of football. On Sunday Night Football on November 27, the Packers were 4-8 after being dominated by the Eagles on the road, and there were cries for Jordan Love to start getting reps as the team prepared for the future. Fast forward a month, and Green Bay is 8-8, and with a win over the Lions, they will be playoff bound. Win or loss the Lions can be proud of their season, which showed they have a lot of young talent, and Dan Campbell has the right culture in place. However, they need a Seattle loss and a win to make the wild card round, and I don’t see the Seahawks losing to the Rams at home. Therefore, I think Rodgers will deliver at Lambeau, and Green Bay will sneak into the playoffs in a thriller.
Packers 31-Lions 28