What NFL games matter today? Breaking down playoff picture, standings for Week 18

Billy Heyen

What NFL games matter today? Breaking down playoff picture, standings for Week 18 image

The final day of the NFL regular season has arrived.

It's Week 18, and there's still plenty at stake in the playoff picture, seedings and standings.

Not every game matters today, of course. Some teams are just playing out the string, including surprisingly eliminated clubs like the Chiefs, Bengals and Cowboys, who are all only thinking about draft position.

Draft thoughts are at the top of mind for the Las Vegas Raiders, who clinch the No. 1 overall pick with a loss to Kansas City.

These, though, are the games that matter for the postseason.

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What NFL games matter today?

There are 10 NFL games on Sunday that have the potential to impact seeding. They are listed here in order of kickoff.

Colts at Texans

The Texans can clinch the AFC South Division title with a win and a Jaguars loss.

Houston will be the No. 5 seed in the AFC with a win and a Jaguars win. The Texans can drop to No. 6 or No. 7 with a loss, depending on if the Chargers and Bills win.

Titans at Jaguars

The Jaguars can clinch the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage with a win paired with losses by the Broncos and Patriots.

The Jags guarantee the AFC South title with a win or a tie.

Saints at Falcons

Both teams are eliminated, but this game will decide the NFC South Division title.

If the Falcons win, the Panthers make the playoffs.

If the Saints win, the Buccaneers make the playoffs.

Chargers at Broncos

The Broncos clinch the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye with a win, or if both the Patriots and Jaguars lose.

If Denver loses, the lowest it can fall is the No. 3 seed.

Cardinals at Rams

The Rams get the No. 5 seed with a win. They'd be the No. 6 seed with a loss.

The 5-seed would get them a trip to the NFC South in the first round of the playoffs, which they'd likely be favored in.

Lions at Bears

The Bears clinch the No. 2 seed with a win or with an Eagles loss.

If the Bears lose and the Eagles win, they'll be the 3-seed.

Commanders at Eagles

The Eagles would be the No. 2 seed with a win and a Bears loss.

They'd be the 3-seed if they lose or the Bears win.

Dolphins at Patriots

The Patriots get the No. 1 seed in the AFC and a first-round bye if they win and the Broncos lose.

Jets at Bills

The Bills would be the No. 5 seed if they win and both the Texans or Chargers lose. 

If just one of those teams lose and the Bills win, they'd be the 6-seed.

Also from ESPN: "The Bills could also clinch the No. 6 seed with a win, plus Chargers and Texans wins, a Jags loss and then five wins from either Cowboys, Rams, Dolphins, Vikings, Eagles, Steelers, Seahawks or Bucs."

Ravens at Steelers

The Steelers win the AFC North Division with a win or tie.

The Ravens are division champs with a win.

The loser's season ends on Sunday night.

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Senior Editor