NFL Week 18 schedule: 5 teams that need to win the most
Looking at the NFL Week 18 schedule, these five teams need to win or face the stark reality of missing the postseason.
5. New Orleans Saints
The Saints need to beat the Atlanta Falcons deep in the heart of Georgia on Sunday afternoon if they want any chance of advancing to the playoffs. Atlanta is 7-9 and was eliminated from postseason contention last week with a loss at Buffalo against the Bills. Meanwhile, the Saints are 8-8 after beating the Carolina Panthers but need to both beat Atlanta and get a loss from the San Francisco 49ers, who play at the Los Angeles Rams at the same time of day.
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4. Indianapolis Colts
For the Colts, this is about taking care of business and avoiding one of the worst humiliations we’ve seen in some time. Indy is on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are 2-14 and cruising for the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft for a second straight year. If the Colts win, they’re in the playoffs and would either be the No. 5, 6 or 7 seed depending on how the rest of the day’s action plays out. With a loss, it’s likely Indianapolis is through for the year.
3. San Francisco 49ers
As aforementioned, it’ll be the Niners taking on the Rams at SoFi Stadium for the right to move on. Los Angeles has already clinched a playoff berth but with a victory, would wrap up the NFC West and take the No. 2 seed on the NFC side of the bracket. A loss, and the Rams would be the fifth seed should the Arizona Cardinals beat the Seattle Seahawks. As for the 49ers, they make the playoffs with a win, but are out with a defeat coupled with New Orleans beating Atlanta.
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2. Las Vegas Raiders
The last two teams are really grouped together. The Raiders and Chargers play at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas with the winner getting into the playoffs as an AFC wild card. If the Raiders lose, they can get into the playoffs but would need a ton of unlikely help. If the Chargers lose, they’re out no matter what happens elsewhere. Sunday night is going to be wild in Sin City.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
Just check above for all the ramifications, but the Chargers land on the top spot because they’re more talented than the Raiders and only a few weeks ago, were seen by some as a true contender. This would be a crushing defeat for Los Angeles.
