NFL Week 18 Inactives Who Is Playing, Who Is Sitting and Playoff Scenarios

NFL Week 18 Playoff Scenarios

Cardinals vs Rams (-7.5)

The Arizona Cardinals head to Los Angeles for a Week 18 matchup that holds little significance for them but carries real postseason implications for the Rams. While Los Angeles has already secured a playoff berth, this game is crucial for seeding. A Rams win combined with a Seahawks victory over the 49ers on Saturday night would lock them into the No. 5 seed.

That scenario would set up a much more favorable Wild Card matchup against the NFC South champion either the Panthers or Buccaneers. Falling to the No. 6 seed could mean a far tougher road game in Philadelphia, making this a meaningful spot for the Rams despite their playoff ticket already being punched.

Potential Key Inactives
Marvin Harrison Jr, Davante Adams

Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)

This is a massive Week 18 matchup with the NFC South title hanging in the balance. For Carolina, the path is slightly more forgiving. While a win here clinches the division outright, the Panthers could still capture the NFC South with a loss if the Atlanta Falcons defeat the New Orleans Saints in a game that carries no postseason implications for either team. A Panthers victory, however, removes any need to scoreboard watch.

For Tampa Bay, the situation is far more urgent. This is a must win scenario for the Buccaneers, and even then, they will need the Saints to take care of business against Atlanta to keep their playoff hopes alive. If the Falcons win and the Panthers lose the NFC South is a 3 way with the Panthers taking it.

Potential Key Inactives: None reported at this time.

Seattle Seahawks (-1.5) vs San Francisco 49ers

This could be the biggest game of the week, with the NFC West title and the NFC number one seed on the line. The winner not only claims the division crown but also secures a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Both teams have already locked up playoff spots, meaning the loser of this matchup will drop to the fifth seed and head on the road on Wild Card Weekend.

Potential Key Inactives: George Kittle

New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)

While this matchup carries no direct playoff implications for either team involved, it plays a significant role in shaping the NFC South race. The outcome could have a major impact on the division hopes of both the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making this a game well worth monitoring despite the lack of stakes for New Orleans and Atlanta.

Potential Key Inactives:
None

Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals (-7.5)

Yet again a game that means nothing for both teams besides maybe getting a better draft pick with a loss. Both teams starters will be playing in this game.

Potential Key Inactives:

Dallas Cowboys (-4.5) vs New York Giants

This matchup carries limited overall significance, although the Giants still could get the #1 pick if they lose and the Raiders win. Dallas owner Jerry Jones has confirmed that Dak Prescott will start on Sunday, and New York is also expected to play its starters, keeping this game competitive despite the lack of major stakes.

Potential Key Inactives:
Jake Ferguson
Javonte Williams
Ryan Flournoy

Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings (-5.5)

The Packers are locked into the #7 seed, so while nothing’s official yet, expect them to rest most of their starters to get ready for the playoffs. The Vikings, already out of contention, will likely do the same to keep players healthy and avoid more injuries.

Potential Key Inactives:
Jordan Love
Josh Jacobs
Christian Watson
Romeo Doubs
JJ McCarthy
Aaron Jones
TJ Hockenson

Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans (-10.5)

After a strong 7-1 start, the Colts have fallen out of playoff contention and sit at 8-8, making this game meaningless for them. Rookie Riley Leonard from Notre Dame is expected to make his first start of the season after Phillip Rivers announced his retirement for the 2nd time. For Houston, however, this game carries significant weight they need a win and some help from the Tennessee against Jaguars to potentially clinch the AFC South. All of the Texans’ starters are expected to play as they aim to secure the division.

Potential Key Inactives:
None

Tennessee Titans vs Jacksonville Jaguars (-11.5)

This game is meaningless for the Titans, who are already out of playoff contention. For the Jaguars, it’s much more important a win clinches the AFC South, and they still have a slim shot at the #1 seed if the Broncos lose to the Chargers and the Patriots fall to the Dolphins.

Potential Key Inactives: None reported

Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots (-10.5)

This game doesn’t mean much for the Dolphins, but it’s important for the Patriots. To claim the #1 seed in the AFC, New England needs a win here and a Broncos loss to the Chargers. If that doesn’t happen, they’ll likely settle for the #2 seed.

Potential Key Inactives:
Tua Tagovailoa (benched lol)

Philadelphia Eagles (-7) vs Washington Commanders

This game doesn’t mean much for the Commanders. For the Eagles, the best-case scenario is a #2 seed, which would require a win here and a Bears loss to the Lions. Reports indicate the Eagles may rest some starters.

Potential Key Inactives:
Marcus Mariota
Jalen Hurts
Saquon Barkley
DeVonta Smith 
A.J. Brown 
Dallas Goedert 

Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears (-2.5)

This game doesn’t carry much meaning for the Lions, who have already been eliminated from playoff contention. That said, Dan Campbell is expected to play his starters, though Amon-Ra St. Brown might sit to avoid risking a long-term injury. For the Bears, a win or an Eagles loss to the Commanders could earn them the #2 seed in the NFC.

Potential Key Inactives:
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Rome Odunze
Luther Burden
Olamide Zaccheaus

Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos (-11.5)

The Chargers are locked into a Wild Card spot, so this game doesn’t carry much significance for them. Coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed that Justin Herbert and other key starters will be resting. For the Broncos, a win secures the #1 seed, but even if they lose, they can still claim the top spot if the Patriots also fall.

Potential Key Inactives:
Justin Herbert

Buffalo Bills (-7.5) vs New York Jets

This game has no playoff implications for either team. The Bills, already locked into a Wild Card spot, Josh Allen and multiple other Bills starters will not be playing in this game.

Potential Key Inactives:
Josh Allen 

Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) vs Pittsburgh Steelers

This is a win-or-go-home matchup, with the winner claiming the AFC North title and a home playoff game. As of now, there’s no confirmation on whether Lamar Jackson will play, though coach John Harbaugh remains cautiously optimistic.

Potential Key Inactives:
DK Metcalf (suspended)
Lamar Jackson