Last weekend’s games had to be awkward. Pittsburgh and Carolina losing the opportunity to claim the division title was a bit disappointing. Of all teams that are playing for something, the Panthers, Buccaneers, Steelers, and Ravens just haven’t done what they were supposed to do to want their respective division titles. This is why Week 18 should be one of the best regular season finishes in NFL history. Couple that with the Broncos trying to stave off New England and Jacksonville for the #1 seed and Seattle and San Fran playing for the NFC West and #1 seed, we got ourselves an epic Week 18 closer. Should I call the Ravens/Steelers Sunday Night Football game the “AFC North Pink Slip Game?” Or the “Coaches Hot Seat Bowl”? I also feel like calling the Panthers/Buccaneers game the “Hot Potato Bowl” since neither one wants the division title. I’m excited for this finish, but God help me I’ll be stressing my life during the Seahawks/Niners game! Next week will be my final Power Rankings for the season, but I got a little something something for the Top 14 NFL teams in the postseason and the 18 NFL teams that were left out. Stay tuned for next week’s NFL postings!

TEAMS CONSIDERED

15) MINNESOTA VIKINGS (8-8)

14) BALTIMORE RAVENS (8-8)

13) PITTSBURGH STEELERS (9-7)

12) GREEN BAY PACKERS (9-6-1)

11) LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (11-5)

10) BUFFALO BILLS (11-5)

Buffalo’s 4th quarter opportunity was thwarted by an extra point block and a failed 2-pointer to win the game. Things weren’t good from the start, but they were so close to a comeback win. They lost out on a division title to the Patriots and are now left to only clinch between a 5th and 7th seed.

9) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (11-5)

Eagles survived after nearly giving away the lead. It wasn’t pretty but they got an early lead to hold through three and nearly 3/4 of the game. Special teams once again came up clutch with a blocked extra point to stave off the comeback. All that’s left is winning out and hoping to get the 2 seed depending on what happens with Chicago.

8) CHICAGO BEARS (11-5)

Chicago had a leg up early with a pick-6 and kept up with the 49ers in a classic Sunday Night shootout. Unfortunately, they came up short in the deepest part of the redzone against a lowly Niners defense that needed just ONE stop. All they can play for is the 2 seed, but there’s a slight chance they could see the 49ers again depending on next week’s results.

7) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (12-4)

San Fran gave up a pick-6 on the very first drive of the game before pressing Chicago in an all-Sunday Night shootout. Brock Purdy was searing hot and couldn’t be stopped. Defense, however, played poorly for the majority of the game, but three stops to allow just 3 points and a huge game-sealing 4th down stop was a major deal for their #1 seed opportunity. Now, they have Seattle for the winner-takes-#1 seed on Saturday Night.

6) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (12-4)

Jacksonville survived after a slow and struggling start against the Colts. They woke up and found a way past them in Philip Rivers’ last game as starter. Now, they need to win with help from the Dolphins and Chargers defeating the Patriots and Broncos to claim the overall seed in the AFC.

5) HOUSTON TEXANS (11-5)

Texans pulled away thanks to their defense and some lucky breaks on penalties whether they were legit or questionable. They have the Colts that are now eliminated thanks to Houston winning this past weekend.

4) LOS ANGELES RAMS (11-5)

The Rams struggled early and started behind 21-0. They eventually found their groove and their defense clamped down Atlanta. But, it wasn’t enough due to turnovers that cost them. The loss doesn’t hurt much knowing Seattle and San Fran are playing for the division title and #1 seed next week, but LA will find out if they claim the 5th or 6th seed after this weekend.

3) DENVER BRONCOS (13-3)

It was an ugly battle on Christmas. Despite not facing Mahomes, Denver struggled to execute in the redzone until later in the game. They escape Kansas City, win their division thanks to the Chargers’ loss to Houston, and now are a win away from clinching the overall seed in the AFC.

2) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (13-3)

Drake Maye was efficient, and the Patriots buried the Jets. They also won the division title thanks to Buffalo’s loss to Philly. Now, they face Miami next week to close out the season in hopes of nabbing the overall AFC seed if the Broncos lose.

1) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (13-3)

Seattle played another Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde type of football. They didn’t do well and had turnovers that could’ve favored Carolina, but they came out in the second half in control to set up a winner-take-#1 seed against the 49ers on Saturday.