Turf Show Times
The final week of the 2025 NFL regular season features the AFC North, AFC South, NFC South, and NFC West divisional crowns still up for grabs. 3 of those 4 matchups feature head-to-head matchups. The Los Angeles Rams no longer have a shot at the NFC West crown but have secured their wild card berth (since their Week 15 win). Now, they must decide if they want to play their starters in a Week 18 contest at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Sean McVay has commented that they will play. But a lot could change in the next 3 days. Here’s how I see that matchup and the other games across the league playing out in Week 18.
Week 17 picks: 11-5, Cumulative picks: 161-93-1
Week 18 Matchups & Predictions
(Saturday) Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:30 PM EST
The NFC South comes down to two teams that might actually not be the two best teams in the NFC South at this time. The Saints have won 4 in a row. The Falcons have won 3 in a row.
As for the two teams actually in this game, the Buccaneers are 1-7 since their bye week. The Panthers have more in the tank and their losses have come to SF, SEA, and NO (who has been hot).
I guess the game changer could be Baker Mayfield but it’s hard to envision the Bucs making a 180 from where they are at right now.
Pick: Panthers win 24-20
(Saturday) Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers, 8:00 PM EST
The 49ers offense is the hottest in football right now. Shanahan has been on a heater as a playcaller. Christian McCaffrey and the run game are generating more explosive plays. Brock Purdy is playing his best football the last few games.
The Seahawks have a great defense but it can be exposed by good playcallers like Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan.
The stars just seem to be aligning perfectly for San Francisco with this being a home game and Super Bowl LX being played at their home field.
Pick: 49ers win 27-23
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons, 8:20 PM EST
The other NFC South matchup features the two eliminated teams. Atlanta is fresh off of beating the Rams on Monday Night Football with an impressive defensive showing and game ball performance from Bijan Robinson. The Saints are playing well but the Falcons seem to be playing strong (despite nothing to play for) under Raheem Morris.
Pick: Falcons win 30-21
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals, 3:00 PM EST
Will this be Joe Burrow’s last game as a Bengal? I don’t think so but wild offseason trades have been known to happen.
On the other side, will Myles Garrett break the single season sack record (even though it will require a 17th game)? I think this is likely.
Pick: Bengals win 31-23
Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings, 1:00 PM EST
With the Packers being ultra-cautious of Jordan Love’s health before the playoffs,...
