At last, we’ve made it to Week 18 of the NFL regular season! This week specifically is one of most intricate rabbit holes imaginable, as news/coach speak/beat writer blurbs and NFL knowledge will be put to the test as we try to navigate the 16 final games of the regular season. We already have a few teams eliminated, a few teams with nothing to play for that are resting players for the postseason, and quite a few “on the bubble” teams that are must-starts when playing DFS this weekend. We’ll touch on motivation for each team via this week’s “On The RotoRadar” Podcast, but everything will be documented in game-by-game format below.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
Motivation: Steelers NEED a win + help in order to make the postseason. The Ravens have clinched the No. 1 Seed in the AFC.
Seeing as this game is the first of the weekend, Pittsburgh will first go all-out to win this game and then hopefully receive help in order to clinch a playoff position. The Ravens have already ruled out Lamar Jackson and will be resting starters as QB2 Tyler Huntley will operate under center for Baltimore before they are off for a few weeks. Tread lightly on anything Ravens related, Steelers skill position players are full go against a “most likely” depleted defense full of backup players.
Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts
Motivation: The first of many WIN OR GO HOME GAMES in Week 18. This is a battle between two AFC South teams that desperately need a win to move forward. The winner of this game claims the AFC South (or a wildcard spot depending on Bills/Dolphins) IF the Jaguars lose on Sunday and the loser leaves empty handed.
All systems go for this game in all formats. Keep an eye on Zach Moss/Michael Pittman injury statuses.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans
Motivation: The Jaguars can win the AFC South with a win on the road in Tennessee. If they lose, they are out of the playoff picture. The Titans season is over, so they’ll just be playing spoiler.
All Jaguars players are insane plays, including one of the best pass funnels the league has to offer. Note that Christian Kirk and Zay Jones are gearing up to play despite working through injuries.
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions
Motivation: The Lions, barring losses from both Dallas and Philadelphia, are basically locked into the No. 3 seed in the NFC. Minnesota, after losing in Week 17 to the Packers, are desperate for a win and some serious help.
Lions HC Dan Campbell has already stated that he will play his starters, even though it is unlikely that Detroit can sneak into a top 2 seed in the NFC playoff picture. We’ll continue to monitor this but considering his coaching tendencies, all Lions skill players are good to go. The Vikings will be starting Nick Mullens at QB, unleashing the solid floor/ceiling combination of Justin Jefferson and the rest of their skill position players.
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints
Motivation: Both teams will be going all out for a shot at both the NFC South title and/or a playoff spot.
If either teams loses, their season is over. Since this game is early in the afternoon on Sunday, motivation is a 10/10 scenario. In the event that Tampa Bay loses to Carolina (yikes), the Saints can clinch a playoff spot with a win and losses by both Green Bay and Seattle.
New York Jets @ New England Patriots
Motivation: One of the few games with zero motivation. Both teams are eliminated.
Zach Wilson has already been ruled out for Week 18. Both teams will move on to 2024 before kickoff on Sunday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers
Motivation: Tampa NEEDS to win in order to clinch the division AND a playoff spot. Carolina is eliminated.
Tampa is one of the more sure things heading into Week 18. If they win, they are in. If they lose, they are out. 100% full go.
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals
Motivation: Cleveland is locked into the No. 5 seed and cannot move. Bengals are eliminated.
The Browns are starting backups in Week 18, we should also expect multiple backups to play for Cincy. This is one of the more meaningless games in terms of motivation but could provide value in DFS contests.
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers
Motivation: Chicago is eliminated, the Packers control their destiny. A win and Green Bay is in at home. Bears will try to play spoiler.
Green Bay will be going ALL OUT with Christian Watson, Aaron Jones, and Jayden Reed all practicing.
Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Commanders
Motivation: Commanders are eliminated (Sam Howell expected to start), Cowboys will roll out starters and will most likely decimate Washington given the playoff implications.
The Eagles and Cowboys both play in the same time frame, with the winner claiming the NFC East and the No. 2 seed in the NFC Playoff Picture. Expect the boys to go all out.
Denver Broncos @ Las Vegas Raiders
Motivation: Both teams are eliminated.
This game couldn’t be less interesting. Both teams are eliminated. Refer to the NFL Milestones article for additional player incentive information.
Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants
Motivation: Giants are eliminated, Eagles look to overcome embarrassing Week 17 loss.
Like mentioned above, the Eagles and Cowboys are still in a fight for the NFC East title + playoff seed. Both teams are in the postseason and play at the same time, so they’ll be playing with the same motivation.
Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals
Motivation: Cardinals are eliminated. Seahawks will need a win and a Packers loss to make the playoffs.
Seattle will go ALL OUT for Sunday, as the Packers play at the same time.
San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams
Motivation: No motivation
Niners are locked into the No. 1 seed, starting Sam Darnold at QB and resting the majority of their starters. There is a chance that the Rams can fall to the No. 7 seed with a Packers win, but LA are in the playoffs regardless. Sean McVay has already announced that the Rams will sit Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp, and a majority of starters in Week 18. Puka Nacua will be referred to in the NFL Milestones article to clear rookie receiving records, but expect him to sit once those are achieved.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Chargers
Motivation: The Chiefs are locked into the No. 3 seed in the AFC and the Chargers are eliminated.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid announced that tons of starters will sit in Week 18. Isiah Pacheco, Rashee Rice, Patrick Mahomes, and most likely Travis Kelce will not play against the decimated Chargers. Blaine Gabbert will start for KC.
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins
Motivation: 100/100 MOTIVATION!!!!!
This one is on Sunday Night Football for a reason. There are many playoff implications here.
Dolphins: Let’s start with Miami. Not only are they dealing with injuries to QB Tua Tagovailoa, RB Raheem Mostert, WR Jaylen Waddle, and WR Tyreek Hilll, they also lost Bradley Chubb on the defensive end for the season last week. Miami cannot fall out of the playoffs with a loss, so they are playing for the No. 2 seed and the AFC East title.
Bills: This one is a bit more scary. If Buffalo loses, they are OUT of the playoffs. If they win, they can secure the No. 2 seed. The Bills will be going all out and are my “motivation team of the week.”
Let’s finish the regular season off in style!
-JB
One response to “NFL: Week 18 Team Motivation”
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