NFL Week 18 reaction: 5 top storylines
After a wild Sunday, we give the NFL Week 18 reaction and look at the top five storylines entering Monday morning.
5. Ravens complete what was a historic meltdown
Yes, injuries played an enormous part in the Baltimore Ravens falling apart, but this one is going to hurt for awhile. Baltimore was 7-2 and the first seed in the AFC before losing seven of its last eight, falling to last place in the AFC North. On Sunday, the Ravens needed to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers and get help to reach the playoffs, but lost in overtime. Incredibly, had Baltimore had won, it got all the other results needed. Tough, tough year.
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4. The 49ers should a ton of fortitude against the Rams
At SoFi Stadium, the San Francisco 49ers were trailing the Los Angeles Rams by a 17-0 count in the final minute of the second quarter. Los Angeles was rattling injured 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. It looked over. Then, suddenly, the Niners rallied and tied the game before doing so again at 24-24 in the last seconds of regulation. In overtime, San Francisco kicked a field goal and intercepted Matthew Stafford to reach the postseason. Gutsy effort.
3. Vikings, Bears might have had finale in more ways than one
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon, ending the season for both teams. However, that might not be the only ending by the end of Monday morning. Both head coaches — Mike Zimmer and Matt Nagy respectively — are likely out of their jobs, putting a couple of interesting jobs on the market.
Read: Browns Expected To Bring QB Baker Mayfield Back
2. Jaguars knock out the Colts, get first-overall pick
The Jacksonville Jaguars had the best of both worlds on Sunday. They beat the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, 26-11, knocking them out of the postseason chance with a stunning upset. Additionally, because the Detroit Lions beating the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville still gets the No. 1 overall pick. It was the biggest win of rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s young career, showing what might be to come after a brutal first campaign.
1. Chargers will regret Sunday night for a long, long time
The Los Angeles Chargers did everything possible to lose on Sunday night in a must-win against the Las Vegas Raiders. In a wild 35-32 overtime loss, the Chargers gambled on a 4th and 1 at their own 16-yard line and got stuffed. Los Angeles also committed two turnovers and were guilty of an astounding 10 penalties for 108 yards. Despite out-gaining Las Vegas by a 440-346 margin, the Chargers fell short and missed the postseason.
