NFL Week 18 schedule: Browns-Ravens, Bengals-Steelers Saturday games; Vikings-Lions on Sunday Night Football

NFL Week 18: Full schedule and playoff implications

The NFL has released the full schedule for Week 18, marking the conclusion of the 2024 regular season. With playoff spots and seeding still on the line, all 16 games are set to deliver high-stakes action. Here’s everything you need to know.

Saturday, Jan. 4: Doubleheader kicks off Week 18

The weekend opens with two pivotal games on ESPN/ABC:

Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens

Time: 4:30pm ET
The Ravens, locked into the playoffs, face a struggling Browns team that has scored just 16 points over the last three games. Prediction: Ravens 30, Browns 10.

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers

Time: 8:00pm ET
With playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Joe Burrow and the Bengals need a win against their division rivals. Prediction: Bengals 24, Steelers 23.

Sunday, Jan. 5: Packed slate of 14 games

Early games (1:00pm ET):

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (CBS)

Atlanta remains in the playoff hunt but needs a win and help from other results. Prediction: Falcons 23, Panthers 17.

Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys (FOX)

The Commanders aim for a fifth consecutive win to cap off their playoff push. Prediction: Commanders 23, Cowboys 20.

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (FOX)

Green Bay looks to rebound from a rocky season against a Bears team on a ten-game losing streak. Prediction: Packers 27, Bears 13.

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (CBS)

Buffalo, locked into the No. 2 AFC seed, faces a Patriots squad hoping to secure the No. 1 draft pick. Prediction: Bills 20, Patriots 17.

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FOX)

Tampa can clinch a playoff spot with a win. Prediction: Buccaneers 28, Saints 13.

Late games (4:25pm ET):

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals (FOX)

Arizona seeks to end its season strong at home. Prediction: Cardinals 24, 49ers 20.

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos (CBS)

The Chiefs may rest starters, giving Denver an edge in its playoff quest. Prediction: Broncos 27, Chiefs 17.

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets (FOX)

Miami eyes a playoff spot in a must-win scenario. Prediction: Dolphins 21, Jets 16.

Sunday Night Football (8:20pm ET, NBC):

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions

This NFC North showdown determines the division title and top conference seed. Prediction: Vikings 31, Lions 28.

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Natasha Bose

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