Motivation

AFC WEEK 18 MOTIVATION RATINGS

Broncos: 10

Patriots: 7

Jaguars: 10

Steelers: 10

Texans: 10

Chargers: 1

Bills: 2

Ravens: 10

NFC WEEK 18 MOTIVATION RATINGS

Seahawks: 10

Bears: 10

Eagles: 2

Panthers: 10

49ers: 10

Rams: 1 if 49ers win, 7 if Seahawks win

Packers: 1

Bucs: 10

AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. Broncos (13-3)

Situation: A win locks Denver into the No. 1 seed and the conference’s lone bye.

Outlook: Simple math. Denver controls its destiny and will be fully motivated to beat the Chargers in Week 18.

2. Patriots (13-3)

Situation:

• No. 1 seed with a win + Denver loss

• No. 3 seed with a loss + Jacksonville win

• Otherwise locked into No. 2

  
  

Outlook: While the top seed is technically in play, it would require Denver to lose to a Chargers team expected to rest starters. Mike Vrabel has indicated healthy starters will play, and with New England and Denver kicking off simultaneously at 4:25 p.m. ET, scoreboard watching is very much in play. If Denver stumbles, expect the Patriots to push hard.

3. Jaguars (12-4)

Situation: Win and they clinch the AFC South. A loss opens the door for Houston.

Outlook: Jacksonville has every incentive to go all out and secure a home playoff game.

4. Steelers (9-7) / 9. Ravens (8-8)

Situation: Winner takes the AFC North. Loser is eliminated.

Outlook: Full throttle from both sides. No ambiguity here.

5. Texans (11-5)

Situation:

• AFC South title with a win + Jaguars loss

• Otherwise locked into the No. 5 seed

  
  

Outlook: Even if Jacksonville wins, Houston still has incentive to protect the No. 5 seed, which avoids a road matchup against a 12+ win team. Expect maximum effort.

6. Chargers (11-5)

Situation: Locked into a Wild Card spot; cannot improve seeding.

Outlook: With nothing to gain and health to protect, Los Angeles is expected to rest starters. Jim Harbaugh has already confirmed Trey Lance will start in place of Justin Herbert, and more absences are expected.

7. Bills (11-5)

Situation: Locked into a Wild Card spot.

Outlook: Buffalo is playing only for seeding, and Sean McDermott has been openly conflicted. With Josh Allen exiting Week 17 banged up — and the Jets on deck — health could outweigh momentum. The Bills may not need full starter usage to win.

Just Eliminated (Week 17)

• Colts — Expected to evaluate younger players (Riley Leonard likely to start).

  
  

Eliminated

• Raiders, Jets, Titans, Browns, Chiefs, Bengals, Dolphins

NFC PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. Seahawks (13-3) / 5. 49ers (12-4)

Situation: Winner claims the NFC West and the No. 1 seed.

Outlook: Massive stakes. Both teams go all out.

2. Bears (11-5)

Situation: Win locks up No. 2 seed; cannot fall below No. 3.

Outlook: Chicago wants to avoid an NFC West opponent in Round 1. Ben Johnson has stated they’re playing to win, and Detroit is unlikely to roll over. Expect a legitimate game.

3. Eagles (11-5)

Situation:

• No. 2 seed with win + Bears loss

• Otherwise No. 3

  
  

Outlook: There’s a chance Philly opts for rest. Reports indicate the Eagles are considering sitting “some starters” against Washington, even if they dress.

4. Panthers (8-8) / 11. Buccaneers (7-9)

Situation: Winner takes the NFC South; loser eliminated.

Outlook: If Atlanta wins Sunday, this game becomes moot — but since it’s played Saturday, both teams should go all out.

6. Rams (11-5)

Situation:

• No. 5 seed with win + 49ers loss

• Otherwise No. 6

  
  

Outlook: Much hinges on the NFC West title game. If San Francisco wins, the Rams can’t improve and may rest. If Seattle wins, L.A. has incentive to play for the No. 5 seed. Historically, Sean McVay hasn’t chased seeding, though starters could see limited run to build momentum.

7. Packers (9-6-1)

Situation: Locked into No. 7 seed.

Outlook: Green Bay is extremely banged up and has nothing to gain. Expect significant rest.

Just Eliminated (Week 17)

• Lions

  
  

Eliminated

• Vikings, Cowboys, Falcons, Saints, Commanders, Cardinals, Giants