On Saturday, January 6th, 2024, Week 18(the final week) of the 2023-2024 NFL Season will begin. It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of the regular season, but January is arguably the most exciting month for American Football.
So, I’m going to go through each team, and list what is at stake for them in each game. Contrary to popular belief, all 32 teams have an important role to play in the final week of the season.
Baltimore Ravens(vs. Steelers on 01/06/24, at 4:30 P.M. E.T.): Out of every team, the Ravens have arguably the least to play for this week. They already have the number one seed locked up in the American Football Conference(AFC). However, their Head Coach John Harbaugh has to make a decision to either rest all of their starters the entire game, rest their starters for some of the game, or play their starters the entire game. Each one of these options can have pros, and cons for going into the postseason.
So, their momentum going into the postseason could be determined by this game.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 13-4
Pittsburgh Steelers(@ Ravens on 01/06/24, at 4:30 P.M. E.T.): The Steelers have the worst record of an AFC Team which has not been eliminated from postseason contention. Their motive this week is for one simple reason: To make the postseason, and if they make the playoffs, they can only win the seventh seed in the AFC. Below are the five possible scenarios(from least likely to happen to most likely to happen) which allow the Steelers to sew up a playoff spot(and as a Cincinnati Bengals fan, I really, really hope none of these happen).
-Steelers Tie, AND the Colts-Texans game doesn’t end in a Tie, AND the Jaguars lose to the Titans.
For context, there hasn’t been a tied game the entire season, and the Jaguars probably won’t lose to the Titans. If this happens, I’ll post a video on here eating a spider.
-Steelers win, AND the Colts-Texans game ends in a Tie.
Again, Ties are rare.
-Steelers lose, BUT the Colts-Texans game does NOT end in a Tie, AND the Broncos beat the Raiders.
First of all, the Steelers very well may not lose to a Ravens team most likely resting their most important starters, and even then, do they really want to rely on the Broncos to do good enough to beat a hot Raiders team, especially since the Broncos have very little to play for?
-Steelers win, AND the Jaguars lose to the Titans, OR the Jaguars Tie the Titans.
Again, the Steelers should win, and the Jaguars have two possibilities that can happen in their game, with the loss clearly being more likely. I wouldn’t be surprised if this happened.
-Steelers win, AND the Bills lose to the Dolphins.
This is the best scenario for the Steelers to make the postseason. The Steelers will probably beat the Ravens, and the Dolphins are arguably better than the Bills, especially at home, so I see them beating the Bills.
I predict the Steelers will make the playoffs, unfortunately.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 10-7
Houston Texans(@Colts on 01/06/24, at 8:15 P.M. E.T.): The Texans(as well as the Colts, and Jaguars) are all 9-7, battling each other to win the AFC South. That’s all you need to know as to why this game is being put in a primetime slot. The Texans split their division record with the Jaguars, and they lost to the Colts earlier in the season. Simply put-if the Texans lose to the Colts, they are eliminated from postseason contention, and if they beat the Colts, they make the postseason.
The Texans can either win the division with the number six seed, or make the postseason as a number seven seed Wild Card Team, depending on a number of different factors from different teams. Unfortunately, I don’t think it will happen for the Texans.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 9-8
Indianapolis Colts(vs. Texans on 01/06/24, at 8:15 P.M. E.T.): Basically, they’re in the exact same boat as the Texans.
The difference is, I’m predicting them to win the game(but it’s going to be a close game in my opinion), and I think Colts fans will be celebrating tomorrow when they clinch a postseason spot.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 10-7
Cleveland Browns(@ Bengals on 01/07/24, at 1:00 P.M. E.T.): Interesting fact: The Browns will be starting former Bengals Quarterbacj, Jeff Driskel, as their Quarterback, and he will be the fifth Starting Quarterback for the Browns this season. The Browns will be resting their most important starters, because they’re locked in to the 5th Playoff Seed.
The most important thing they’re playing in this game is to see if they can do just as well with another Quarterback, Jeff Driskel.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 11-6.
Cincinnati Bengals(vs. Browns on 01/07/24 at 1:00 P.M. E.T.): As a Bengals fan, it makes me sad to write this, but since the Bengals were eliminated from postseason contention last week, they are mostly playing a meaningless game. It will be a fun little reunion with A.J. McCarron started for the Bengals, making this the first time he’s played Quarterback for the Bengals since the 2015-2016 Season.
A winning record is the ultimate motive for the Bengals this season.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 9-8
Minnesota Vikings(@ Lions on 01/07/24, at 1:00 P.M. E.T.): The Vikings can still make the postseason, but they won’t. Here is what needs to happen for them to clinch a number seven playoff spot.
First of all, they need to beat the Lions. If they lose to the Lions, they’re eliminated from playoff contention. If they win, then the following needs to happen.
-The Falcons beat the Panthers, OR the Panthers beat the Buccaneers.
AND
-The Bears need to beat the Packers.
AND
-The Cardinals need to beat the Seahawks.
So...I'm saying they have a chance.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 7-10.
Detroit Lions(vs. Vikings at 1:00 P.M. E.T.): The Lions are hoping to get the Number 2 Seed in the NFC, and they have a lackluster opponent to help them do it.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 12-5.
Jacksonville Jaguars(@ Titans at 12:00 P.M. C.T.): Simply put-If the Jaguars win, they clinch the AFC South. Even though the Jaguars have a messy Quarterback situation right now, I still think they will beat the Titans, but it’s going to be a close game.
If the Jaguars lose, they can still make the postseason if the following happens.
-Raiders beat the Broncos
AND
-Ravens beat the Steelers
AND
-The Colts-Texans game to NOT end in a tie(again, the easy part).
Regular Season Record Prediction: 10-7
Tennessee Titans(vs. Jaguars at 12:00 P.M. C.T.): Since the Titans are already eliminated from postseason contention, the only thing I can think of to focus on is Derrick Henry, since this may be his last game as a Titan, and he’s playing at home.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 5-12.
Atlanta Falcons(@ Saints at 12:00 P.M. C.T.): The Falcons need to beat the Saints to make the postseason. If the Buccaneers lose to the Panthers(and they won’t), then whoever wins this game wins the NFC South. Oddly enough, this is the only way the Falcons can make the playoffs.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 7-10
New Orleans Saints(vs. Falcons at 12:00 P.M. C.T.): Everything that applies to the Falcons also applies to the Saints, except they can still make the postseason if the Buccaneers beat the Panthers. If that happens, then the following needs to happen.
-Saints beat the Falcons(duh).
-Bears beat the Packers.
-Cardinals beat the Seahawks.
I don’t think anything listed here will happen though.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 9-8.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers(@ Panthers at 1:00 P.M. E.T.): The Buccaneers’ situation is simple: If they beat the Panthers, they make the postseason. If they lose(or tie) to them, they’re eliminated from postseason contention.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 9-8.
Carolina Panthers(vs. Buccaneers at 1:00 P.M. E.T.): At least they’re closing their horrendous season at home. They’ll finish with the worst record in the NFL, but unfortunately for them, they already traded the Number 1 Overall Draft Pick in the 2024 Draft to the Chicago Bears. Their only thing at stake in this game is watching their top prospect Bryce Young close out the season.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 2-15.
New York Jets(@ Patriots at 1:00 P.M. E.T.): The season has been a disaster for the Jets, as they’ve been eliminated from postseason contention. The Jets are playing for two reasons now: A top-five overall draft pick in the 2024 Draft, and to snap their 15-game losing streak against the Patriots. The Broncos snapped their epic losing streak against the Chiefs; the Jets can do the same here.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 7-10
New England Patriots(vs. Jets at 1:00 P.M. E.T.): Oh, the mighty have fallen, and we love to see it. The Patriots can still get a top three overall draft pick, but since they’re going to beat the Jets, that won’t even happen.
The stakes of this game will be…Bill Belichick. Watch it Patriots fans: It might be his final game as the Head Coach of the Patriots.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 5-12.
Chicago Bears(@ Packers at 3:25 P.M. C.T.): The Bears were eliminated from postseason contention last week, and they already have the Number 1 Overall Pick in the 2024 Draft, thanks to the Panthers finishing the season. Their stake in this game is being the spoiler to the Packers season.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 7-10.
Green Bay Packers(vs. Bears at 3:25 P.M. C.T.): If the Packers beat the Bears, they will make the postseason. If the Packers lose, they can still make the playoffs if the following things happen.
-The Lions beat the Vikings
-The Cardinals beat the Seahawks
-The Saints, OR Buccaneers lose their respective games against the Falcons, and Panthers.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 9-8.
Philadelphia Eagles(@ Giants at 4:25 PM. E.T.): The Eagles are on a collapse at the worst time of the season. They already have a postseason spot locked in, but in order to become the first NFC East team since the 2004-2005 season to win back-to-back division titles, they Eagles need to beat the Giants, AND the Cowboys need to lose to the Commanders.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 12-5.
New York Giants(@ Eagles at 4:25 P.M. E.T.): The Giants have been eliminated from postseason contention, so they’re playing to spoil the Eagles division title, and they’re probably getting a top five overall pick in the 2024 Draft.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 5-12.
Washington Commanders(@ Cowboys at 3:25 P.M. C.T.): The Commanders have long been eliminated from postseason contention, and at this point, they’re hoping to get the Number 2 Overall Pick in the 2024 Draft. Oh, and beating America’s Team is good for their pride.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 4-13
Dallas Cowboys(vs. Commanders at 3:25 P.M. C.T.): If the Cowboys win, they win the NFC East. If the Cowboys lose, AND the Eagles lose, then the Cowboys still win the division title. No matter what, the Cowboys are in the postseason(and Dak Prescott has one more game to make an MVP case).
Regular Season Record Prediction: 12-5.
Seattle Seahawks(@ Cardinals at 2:25 P.M. M.T.): For the Seahawks to clinch a postseason spot, they need to beat the Cardinals, AND Bears beat the Packers. Unfortunately for them, that probably won’t happen.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 9-8.
Arizona Cardinals(vs. Seahawks at 2:25 P.M. M.T.): The Cardinals have a good chance for a top five draft pick in the 2024 Draft, and a surprisingly decent chance of beating their division-rival Seahawks.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 4-13.
Rams(@ 49ers at 1:25 P.M. P.T.): The Rams have already quietly clinched a postseason spot, and they’re trying to seal the Number 6 Seed in the NFC(the highest seed they can clinch). For some reason, the Rams are resting some key starters.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 9-8.
49ers(vs. Rams at 1:25 P.M. P.T.): Even though they will be resting some key starters, I still think they will win the game(because the Rams are resting some key starters too, oddly enough). Similar to the Ravens in the AFC, they already have the top seed locked up, so what else is there to play for? Pride?
Regular Season Record Prediction: 13-4.
Kansas City Chiefs(@ Chargers at 1:25 P.M. P.T.): The Chiefs are going to be the Number 3 Seed in the AFC no matter what(you read that correctly), so they’re obviously resting their key starters. However, they can still play for division-rival pride. Who all had the Chiefs losing seven games this season?
Regular Season Record Prediction: 10-7.
Los Angeles Chargers(vs. Chiefs at 1:25 P.M. P.T.): The Chargers could get a top five overall draft-pick for the 2024 Draft, but I think they’re more excited to finally beat the Chiefs again. Beating the evil empire is better than getting a high draft pick.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 6-11.
Denver Broncos(@ Raiders at 1:25 P.M. P.T.): The Broncos were eliminated from postseason contention last week, and they’ve already won too many games for a high draft pick in 2024, and the worst part of all, they're resting their cash cow, Russell Wilson, but who doesn’t like enraging the crazy Raiders fans?
Regular Season Record Prediction: 8-9.
Las Vegas Raiders(vs. Broncos at 1:25 P.M. P.T.): The Raiders are in the exact same boat at the Broncos.
Regular Season Record Prediction: 8-9.
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins at 8:20 P.M. E.T.: The last game of the 2023-2024 NFL Season really is the best game remaining. For the Dolphins, it’s much more simple here. If they beat the Bills, or Tie them, they win the AFC East. If they lose, they’re still in the postseason as a Wild Card Team.
If the Bills beat the Dolphins, they win the AFC East. If they lose, or Tie the Dolphins, they can still make the postseason if the following happens.
The Jaguars lose to the Titans.
OR
The Steelers lose to the Steelers.
OR
The Texans-Colts Game ends in a Tie(so many scenarios this weekend is banking on this happening).
Will it happen? I honestly don't think so.
Happy Final Weekend of the 2023-2024 NFL Regular Season.
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