We have reached the end of the 2024 NFL Regular Season and we now take a look at all of the matchups in Week 18!
After seventeen weeks, the 2024 NFL Regular Season comes to a close, and the New Orleans Saints are out of the playoff race for the fourth consecutive year. To end this forgettable season, the Saints face the reigning three-time NFC South Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa. The Saints as a franchise, and the fans who share so much passion for them look for some changes and hope in the seasons ahead.
To start the season, the Saints took two teams “behind the woodshed” and set unrealistic expectations for the season ahead. Ultimately, the season saw the Saints suffer through a seven-game losing streak, countless injuries, the firing of their head coach, and have struggled through two pathetic showings over their last two games. On Sunday, the Saints have only pride to play for, against an opponent who has everything to play for. At last, we have reached the merciful end to a forgettable season.
Now let’s take a look at the Saints’ regular season finale as well as all of the pivotal matchups in the final week of the 2024 NFL Season!
Last week, I went 14-2
I told you so: Bengals over Broncos!
What do I know: Saints over Raiders?
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WEEK 18
Saturday, January 4th – Saturday NFL Special
Browns(3-13) at Ravens(11-5)
Playoff Scenario: A Baltimore win clinches the AFC North title and the AFC’s 3rd seed.
Baltimore will clinch the AFC North with a great offensive performance at home. Baltimore wins 28-22.
Pick: Ravens
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Saturday, January 4th – Saturday NFL Special
Bengals(8-8) at Steelers(10-6)
Playoff Scenario: A Pittsburgh win coupled with a Baltimore loss clinches the AFC North title and the AFC’s 3rd seed. A Cincinnati win coupled with losses by Denver and Miami clinches a Wild Card berth.
Once again, Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati receiving corps will put the team on their backs, as Cincy keeps their playoff hopes alive for one more day. Cincinnati wins 39-31.
Pick: Bengals
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Sunday, January 5th – Early Games
Panthers(4-12) at Falcons(8-8)
Playoff Scenario: An Atlanta win coupled with a Tampa Bay loss clinches the NFC South title.
Atlanta does their part with a ho-hum win over Carolina, while they do some scoreboard watching at the Tampa Bay/New Orleans game. Atlanta wins 23-13.
Pick: Falcons
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Commanders(11-5) at Cowboys(7-9)
Dallas will pull away with this one once Washington finally pulls Jayden Daniels ahead of the playoffs. Dallas wins 39-26.
Pick: Cowboys
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Bears(4-12) at Packers(11-5)
Green Bay will do what they always do, beat Chicago. Green Bay wins 25-16.
Pick: Packers
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Jaguars(4-12) at Colts(7-9)
Ultimately, Jacksonville will achieve an offensive balance that Indy won’t match. Jacksonville wins 31-25.
Pick: Jaguars
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Bills(13-3) at Patriots(3-13)
In his brief action, Josh Allen will give Buffalo the points they need to ultimately win this one. Buffalo wins 26-21.
Pick: Bills
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Giants(3-13) at Eagles(13-3)
Even without Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, Philly will roll to an easy victory. Philadelphia wins 24-12.
Pick: Eagles
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Texans(9-7) at Titans(3-13)
The AFC South champs will snap a two-game losing streak with a win in this playoff tune-up. Houston wins 24-17.
Pick: Texans
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Saints(5-11) at Buccaneers(9-7)
Playoff Scenario: A Tampa Bay win or an Atlanta loss clinches the NFC South title.
With a dominating performance at home, Tampa wins their record-tying fourth-consecutive NFC South Championship over New Orleans. Tampa Bay wins 38-3.
Pick: Buccaneers
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Sunday, January 5th – Late Games
49ers(6-10) at Cardinals(7-9)
San Francisco caps a remarkably disappointing season with a win they hope will finally end their Super Bowl hangover. San Francisco wins 34-23.
Pick: 49ers
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Chiefs(15-1) at Broncos(9-7)
Playoff Scenario: A Denver win or losses by Cincinnati and Miami clinches a Wild Card berth.
Thanks to a game-winning, playoff-clinching 48-yard field goal by Wil Lutz, Sean Payton’s Broncos beats the Chiefs’ b-team at home. Denver wins 16-14.
Pick: Broncos
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Seahawks(9-7) at Rams(10-6)
With Matthew Stafford resting until the playoffs, Jimmy Garoppolo will lead Los Angeles to victory at home. Los Angeles wins 24-16.
Pick: Rams
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Chargers(10-6) at Raiders(4-12)
The backup Bolts will easily cruise past one of the worst teams in the NFL. The moment this game kicks off, this one will be over. Los Angeles wins 42-9.
Pick: Chargers
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Dolphins(8-8) at Jets(4-12)
Playoff Scenario: A Miami win and Denver loss clinches a Wild Card berth.
In what is likely to be his final game as a Jet, Aaron Rodgers will deliver New York another loss, keeping Miami’s slim playoff hopes alive, as they turn their eyes to Denver. Miami wins 32-20.
Pick: Dolphins
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Sunday Night Football Finale
Vikings(14-2) at Lions(14-2) – Game of the Week – NFC North Championship Game
Playoff Scenario: Winner clinches the NFC North title and the 1st seed in the NFC, claiming a first-round bye and homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.
Few games actually live up to the hype placed upon them, but this winner-take-all showdown may just actually be the the biggest season finale Sunday Night Football has ever aired. That being said, this one will actually live up to that hype. This one will come down to the final drive, and homefield advantage in this game helps Detroit keep homefield from here on out. Get ready for a classic season finale. Detroit wins 31-24.
Pick: Lions
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There you have it, the final week of the 2024 NFL regular season. Here’s to the Saints finding a way back to winning games next season. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below!