Welcome to the final week of the 18-week marathon. We have reached “Judgment Day,” where four division titles, both No. 1 seeds, and the final Wild Card spots are still up for grabs. This is the ultimate “win-and-in” weekend, featuring two standalone Saturday games and a massive Sunday night finale.
Here are the biggest games to watch for Week 18 (January 3–4, 2026).
The Heavyweight Main Events
Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers Saturday, Jan 3 | 8:00 PM ET | Venue: Levi’s Stadium
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The Stakes: This is the game of the year. The winner clinches the NFC West and secures the NFC’s No. 1 Seed (bye week + home-field advantage).
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The Angle: The 49ers (12-4) are riding a six-game win streak after a thrilling 42-38 win over the Bears. The Seahawks (13-3) can take the top spot with a win or a tie. If San Francisco wins, they could potentially host every playoff game at home, leading right up to Super Bowl 60 at their own stadium.
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Betting Line: 49ers -1.5 | O/U 49.5
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, Jan 4 | 8:20 PM ET | Venue: Acrisure Stadium
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The Stakes: A true winner-take-all for the AFC North. The winner captures the division and the No. 4 seed; the loser is officially eliminated from postseason contention.
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The Angle: Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers (9-7) missed a chance to clinch last week, losing to the Browns. Now, they face a Ravens (9-7) team that has been inconsistent but is historically dangerous in “win-or-go-home” scenarios against their rivals.
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Betting Line: Ravens -3 | O/U 42.5
The Division Deciders
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Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Saturday, 4:30 PM ET): Another winner-take-all. The winner takes the NFC South crown; the loser goes home. If both teams tie, Carolina takes the division. The Bucs are favored by 3 points despite winning only one of their last eight games.
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Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars (Sunday, 1:00 PM ET): The Jaguars (12-4) clinch the AFC South with a win. If they stumble, the Houston Texans (11-5) can steal the division by beating the Indianapolis Colts.
The Race for the AFC No. 1 Seed
Unlike the NFC, the AFC No. 1 seed is a three-way sprint:
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Denver Broncos (13-3): Control their own destiny. Beat the L.A. Chargers and the road to the Super Bowl goes through Mile High.
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New England Patriots (13-3): Need a win over the Dolphins AND a Denver loss to reclaim the top spot.
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Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4): Longshot scenario. They need to win AND have both Denver and New England lose.
Injury Watch & Motivation Factors
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Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens): Listed as doubtful with a back injury. His status will dictate the entire line for the Sunday night game.
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J.J. McCarthy (QB, Vikings): Dealing with a hand injury; the Vikings may start Max Brosmer as they look to finish with a winning record against the Packers.
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Resting Starters? Keep an eye on the Philadelphia Eagles. Having already clinched the NFC East but likely locked into the No. 3 seed, Nick Sirianni may opt to rest Jalen Hurts and other stars against the Commanders.
