NFL Week 18 Playoff implications: 9 teams head into final regular season game with something on the line

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The final week of the 2024 NFL regular season is here, and for some teams, there is not much to play for due to already having their spot set in the playoffs, or worse, being knocked out of playoff contention. 

However, for other teams not on either end of the spectrum, there is everything to play for, making this week a must-win situation while also looking at the rest of the league.

Looking at the current playoff picture, there is only one available playoff spot in both the AFC and NFC. In turn, four games in the AFC and three games in the NFC have playoff implications for nine total teams, whether it is simply making the playoffs or seeding within the bracket.

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, #8, leaves the field following an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Let’s dive into which teams and matchups to watch in Week 18, starting with a potential deep playoff run squad in the AFC:

Lamar Jackson and company already have their playoff spot locked in for 2024 with an 11-5 record, but the AFC North title is still on the line with the Pittsburgh Steelers (more on them in a bit) sitting just one game behind them at 10-6. 

So, with a win or tie for Baltimore, they would win the division and lock up the No. 3 seed, which is an automatic home game in the Wild Card Round. They would also lock those up with a Steelers loss. 

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Like the Ravens, the Steelers have already reached the playoffs as well, but they want that No. 3 seed if they