The biggest game this weekend will take place in Detroit on Sunday night as the Lions and Minnesota Vikings (both 14-2) play each other for the NFC North division crown and the top seed in the NFC playoffs. On Saturday, two games featuring AFC North teams will take place as the Baltimore Ravens (11-5) host the Cleveland Browns (3-13) and the Cincinnati Bengals face the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) in the Steeel City. If the Ravens win, they clinch the division title. But if the Browns can pull off the upset, the Steelers can win the division with a win against Cincinnati.
One interesting note this weekend sees Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley likely sitting out the final game, thus ending his bid to break the 40-year old record for most rushing yards in a single season held by Eric Dickerson (2,105 yards in 1984). Barkley has 2,005 yards, but with the Eagles (13-3) already secured as the number two seed in the NFC, it's likely he won't play against the New York Giants (3-13) on Sunday afternoon.
The capsule style previews for all 16 games are featured and then the final regular season Heftyinfo picks follow up.
Cleveland (3-13) at Baltimore (11-5) - The Ravens need this one to secure a home game in the first round of the AFC playoffs. Browns are looking forward to the NFL Draft next spring.
Cincinnati (8-8) at Pittsburgh (10-6) - Can the Steelers stop their three game skid and knock the Bengals (and red hot quarterback Joe Burrow) out of playoff contention?
Philadelphia (13-3) at N.Y. Giants (3-13) - The only drama in this one would be running back Saquon Barkley breaking the single season rushing record.
Buffalo (13-3) at New England (3-13) - The Bills will be resting many starters, so the Patriots could win this one.
Houston (9-7) at Tennessee (3-13) - The Texans have already sewn up the number four seed in the AFC, which could mean the host Titans could get the win.
Carolina (4-12) at Atlanta (8-8) - Falcons must win this one and get some help to reach the NFC playoffs.
Washington (11-5) at Dallas (7-9) - The Commanders could move up in the NFC playoff picture so the Cowboys better be ready.
Chicago (4-12) at Green Bay (11-5) - The Packers have owned this rivalry over the last decade plus . . . expect more of the same in this one.
Jacksonville (4-12) at Indianapolis (7-9) - Colts really blew it last week losing to the lowly New York Giants. They are out of playoff contention and the Jaguars could win this one.
New Orleans (5-11) at Tampa Bay (9-7) - The Buccaneers should roll in this one and win the NFC South division.
Kansas City (15-1) at Denver (9-7) - The Chiefs will sit many starters, including QB Patrick Mahomes . . . Broncos can make the playoffs for the first time in nine years with a win.
L.A. Chargers (10-6) at Las Vegas (4-12) - The Chargers could move up to the number five spot in the AFC playoff picture, so they have incentive to win this game.
Miami (8-8) at N.Y. Jets (4-12) - The Dolphins need this one, but will likely be without starting QB Tua Tagovailoa again this week. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers likely playing his last game with the Jets. Take the Dolphins.
San Francisco (6-10) at Arizona (7-9) - This season cannot end quick enough for the 49ers. The Cardinals have been a pleasant surprise this year. Toss up here.
Seattle (9-7) at L.A. Rams (10-6) - The Rams are already in the playoffs and the Seahawks are out. Toss up in this one.
Minnesota (14-2) at Detroit (14-2) - The game of the year between two NFC powerhouses . . . Take the Lions in a squeaker.
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Eighteen . . . . . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
BALTIMORE over Cleveland
Cincinnati over Pittsburgh
Philadelphia over N.Y. Giants
Buffalo over New England
Tennessee over Houston
Atlanta over Carolina
Washington over Dallas
Green Bay over Chicago
Jacksonville over Indianapolis
Tampa Bay over New Orleans
Denver over Kansas City
L.A. Chargers over Las Vegas
Miami over N.Y. Jets
Arizona over San Francisco
L.A. Rams over Seattle
Detroit over Minnesota
Last Week's Record - 11-5
SEASON RECORD - 176-80
Lock of the Week Record - 14-3
