NFL Week 18 Schedule

Week 18 is the last week of the NFL regular season and that means this will officially be the last game of the year for 18 of the 32 teams in the league. There is plenty at stake in the final game of the season for almost every team. This game will decide the final playoff bracket and which teams will make it and which won't. Apart from that, several teams will also learn their final seed in the playoff bracket and whether or not they play at home or on the road.

Week 18 is probably as exciting for the players and fans as week 1 itself. And to make sure no team is given an added advantage, most of the games are played on the same day. Also, the unique part of the ultimate week of the regular season is that all games will be divisional matchups which means teams have a lot to play for in their division and for the playoff spots. So get ready for a thrilling finish to the 2023-24 NFL regular season.

Below is the complete schedule for Week 18:

Games on Saturday, January 06

Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers will travel to M&T Bank Stadium to play their final regular season game against the well-rounded Baltimore Ravens. Two teams with different ambitions in this game as the Ravens have already clinched the number one seed in the AFC which means that they can afford to rest some of their key players. Many players could get two full weeks of rest if they don’t take the field this coming Saturday as the Ravens also have a bye in the Wild Card Round.

On the other hand, the Steelers will need to come out ready to play and take the game by storm if they are to make the playoffs. Currently, one of four teams with a 9-7 record, the Steelers find themselves last in the race and will need to depend on other favorable results to get in even if they win.

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts

The matchup between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts is a huge one in week 18. Currently, the Colts are the last playoff team in the AFC while the Texans are just behind them and could sneak into the postseason on the back of a victory over Indianapolis.

It’s all to play for in this AFC South division as it could very well be a winner-takes-all game. The good news for the Texans is that rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud is back and that will inspire the entire team to bring their A-game.

Games on Sunday, January 07

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have the worst win-loss record in the NFL this season and have a horrible 2-14 record at the moment. So why is this game important? The reason is that the NFC South as a division has three more teams with nearly identical records. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints are both 8-8 while the Atlanta Falcons are 7-9. But all three of these teams have a chance to make the playoffs.

So this game is of particular importance for the Bucs as they are currently in the driver’s seat with a better win percentage over the Saints. If the Bucs win they go through. If the Bucs lose, the winner of the Saints and Falcons game will through.

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers

In a big rivalry game between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers, the latter needs to win to make the playoffs. If the Packers lose to the Bears, the Saints, Seahawks, Buccaneers, and Vikings are all in contention and cause problems for them depending on the results. As for the Bears, their season is officially over but a win is a win and will be a huge boost going forward to the next season.

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins

One of the more important clashes of week 18 is the one between the Buffalo Bills and the high-flying Miami Dolphins. While the Dolphins had an early hold over the AFC East, they have lost quite a few games recently whereas the Bills have done the opposite. This match could determine whether or not the Bills make the postseason or if the Dolphins can get the number 2 seed.

Having led the AFC West for most of the season, the final game of the regular season could see the Bills leapfrog them and win the division while the Dolphins will fall to the number 6 seed and end up playing on the road.

Teams with Bye Week

No teams have a bye week for week 18.

NFL Regular Season Week 18 FAQs

Q. Which teams are playing Thursday Night Football in week 18?

A. Week 18 will not feature any games on Thursday Night Football.

Q. Which teams are playing Monday Night Football in week 18?

A. Week 18 will not feature any games on Monday Night Football as the regular season comes to an end on Sunday, January 07.

Q. Who are the Miami Dolphins playing in week 18?

A. The Miami Dolphins are playing divisional rivals Buffalo Bills in week 18.

Q. Are the Philadelphia Eagles at home in week 18?

A. The Philadelphia Eagles are on the road against the New York Giants in week 18.