NFL Week 18 concluded with several significant outcomes that influenced playoff scenarios and individual records across the league.
AFC South Decided
The Jacksonville Jaguars secured the AFC South title with a 41-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans. This win places the Jaguars in contention for the AFC's No. 1 seed, contingent on results from later games involving the Patriots and Broncos. A notable play during the game included C. Little's 67-yard field goal, which is recorded as the second-longest in NFL history. B. Tuten also contributed with a 5-yard rushing touchdown.
Browns Defeat Bengals, Garrett Achieves Sack Record
In a 20-18 win, the Cleveland Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, with A. Szmyt kicking a 49-yard field goal to seal the victory. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett established a new regular season sack record with 23 sacks, achieving one against Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow during the contest. Joe Burrow also completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to J. Chase for the Bengals.
Colts Edge Texans in Close Match
The Indianapolis Colts secured a narrow 30-29 victory over the Houston Texans. Kicker B. Grupe made a 22-yard field goal with 2:39 remaining in the fourth quarter to take the lead. The game featured multiple lead changes, with field goals from Houston's K. Fairbairn (44-yard and 43-yard) and Indianapolis's B. Grupe (39-yard). Rookie R. Leonard contributed a 1-yard rushing touchdown and an 8-yard passing touchdown to A. Pierce. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud was removed from the game following the Jaguars' substantial lead over the Titans.
Falcons Win Over Saints Impacts NFC South
The Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints 19-10. Z. Gonzalez extended Atlanta's lead with two 38-yard field goals in the fourth quarter, creating a two-score advantage. Saints quarterback Tyler Shough was intercepted in the red zone by Dee Alford. An earlier 51-yard field goal by Z. Gonzalez also contributed to Atlanta's score. The Falcons' victory resulted in the Carolina Panthers securing the NFC South division title.
Vikings Defeat Packers
The Minnesota Vikings secured a 16-3 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The Packers, having already clinched the NFC's seventh seed, utilized several backup players. Quarterback Clayton Tune completed 6 of 11 passes for 34 yards and was sacked four times.
Giants Overcome Cowboys
The New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-17. Key scoring plays included a 6-yard rushing touchdown by D. Singletary, a 1-yard rushing touchdown by P. Mafah, and a 13-yard passing touchdown from J. Dart to T. Tracy. This victory by the Giants affects their draft position, moving them from the second overall pick to the seventh.