NFL playoff eventualities: Breaking down which Week 18 video games truly matter from Rams-49ers to Payments-Dolphins – CBS Sports activities

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The ultimate Sunday of the NFL common season is at all times an thrilling one. Division titles are at stake and the final playoff spots are set to be clinched, because the altering of channels can be a should to be able to watch the video games of utmost significance. 
Week 18 is already set to be a memorable one in NFL historical past. Twenty groups stay in Super Bowl (televised by CBS and streamed through Paramount+) rivalry coming into the ultimate week, tied for essentially the most with one week remaining in a full season (2006). 5 playoff berths are unclaimed, essentially the most coming into the ultimate week since there have been seven in 2020. 4 division titles are undecided, essentially the most coming into a season finale since there have been additionally 4 in 2014. 
Which Sunday video games have playoff significance? We have got you coated:
Does this recreation matter? Sure (for the Buccaneers)
The Buccaneers have to win this recreation to be able to clinch the NFC South. That is primarily a “win-and-in” for the Buccaneers, who miss the playoffs completely with a loss. A Tampa Bay loss means the New Orleans and Atlanta winner wins the NFC South. 
Does this recreation matter? No.
The Browns are locked into the No. 5 seed within the AFC and can be resting starters. The Bengals are eradicated from the playoffs. 
Does this recreation matter? Sure
The Vikings are nonetheless alive within the race for the ultimate playoff spot, however barely. Minnesota wants a win over Detroit in Week 18 and loads of assist to get into the playoffs. The Vikings get in with a win, Seahawks loss, Packers loss and a loss by both the Saints or Buccaneers. If the Packers, Buccaneers, Saints, or Seahawks win — the Vikings are eradicated. 
The No. 2 seed continues to be in play for the Lions, who’re at the moment the No. 3 seed. The Lions might be the No. 2 seed with a win, Cowboys loss, and Eagles loss. They’re the No. 3 seed with a loss or if the Cowboys or Eagles win. 
Does this recreation matter? No.
Each the Jets and the Patriots are eradicated from the playoffs. The Patriots may get the No. 2 decide with a loss and Commanders win. 
Does this recreation matter? Sure
The NFC South is at stake for each groups with the Buccaneers taking part in concurrently. If the Buccaneers lose, the winner of the Saints and Falcons recreation will clinch the NFC South. The Falcons are eradicated from the playoffs with a Buccaneers win. 
The Saints can clinch a playoff spot with a win, Buccaneers win, Packers loss, and Seahawks loss. They’re eradicated from the playoffs with a loss or a Buccaneers win and Packers win or a Buccaneers win and Seahawks win. 
Does this recreation matter? Sure (for the Jaguars)
The Jaguars win the AFC South with the victory, regardless of who wins the Colts and Texans recreation on Saturday. The Jaguars miss the playoffs with a loss. 
The Steelers additionally want the Jaguars to lose to be able to make the playoffs (or the Payments). 
Does this recreation matter? Sure (for the Seahawks)
The Seahawks want a win and a few assist to be able to get into the playoffs, however the formulation is fairly easy. They want a win and Packers loss to make the playoffs. Seattle is eradicated with a loss or Inexperienced Bay win. 
The Packers, Vikings, and Saints will even be monitoring this recreation (if the Packers lose). 
Does this recreation matter? Sure (for the Packers)
The Packers want a victory over the Bears to wrap up a playoff berth, the ultimate one within the NFC. They’ll nonetheless make the playoffs with a loss, however want a Seahawks loss, Vikings loss, and a loss by both the Saints or Buccaneers. 
The Seahawks, Vikings, and Saints can be monitoring this recreation. 
Does this recreation matter? No.
The Chiefs have locked within the No. 3 seed within the AFC, so Patrick Mahomes and different starters can be resting with the wild card spherical subsequent week. The Chargers are eradicated from the playoffs. 
Does this recreation matter? No.
Each the Broncos and Raiders are eradicated from the playoffs. The sport did have some which means for the Steelers in the event that they misplaced on Saturday, however the Steelers gained so they do not want a Broncos win. 
Does this recreation matter? Sure (for the Eagles)
The Eagles are at the moment the No. 5 seed within the NFC, however can clinch the NFC East with a win and Cowboys loss. In that state of affairs, the Eagles get the No. 2 seed. The Eagles would be the No. 5 seed with a Cowboys win or a loss. 
The Lions additionally want the Eagles (and Cowboys) to lose to get the No. 2 seed. 
Does this recreation matter? No.
Each San Francisco and Los Angeles can be beginning backup quarterbacks. The 49ers have already locked up the No. 1 seed within the NFC, whereas the Rams have clinched a wild card berth and can’t win their division or transfer up in wild card precedence given the second-place NFC East finisher can be ranked forward of them. 
Does this recreation matter? Sure (for the Cowboys)
The Cowboys clinch the NFC East with a win. If the Cowboys lose and Eagles win, Dallas would be the No. 5 seed. Dallas may win the NFC East with a loss and a Philadelphia loss. 
The Lions additionally want the Cowboys (and Eagles) to lose to get the No. 2 seed. 
Does this recreation matter? Sure 
The winner of this recreation wins the AFC East. A Payments victory offers them the No. 2 seed within the AFC, however there are different eventualities at play if the Payments do lose. Buffalo clinches a playoff spot with a Jacksonville loss because of Pittsburgh beating Baltimore. 
The Dolphins have a playoff berth clinched, however will clinch the AFC East — and the No. 2 seed — with a win. Miami clinches the No. 6 seed with a loss. 
The Steelers additionally want the Payments to lose to be able to make the playoffs (if the Jaguars win). 
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