Bama in the NFL, Week 18: A Lot on the Line as Regular Season Closes
It's the final week of the 2024 National Football League's regular season, and while it may the final time to see numerous players in their current uniforms, like running back Derrick Henry with the Tennessee Titans, a number of former Alabama Crimson Tide players have playoff possibilities at stake.
So a lot's on the line for both Saturday games, and most of those being played on Sunday.
Some of the highlights in terms of teams jockeying for playoff spots include the following:
• The Steelers can make the playoffs with a win or loss on Saturday. They're visiting the Ravens, who have already locked up home-field advantage in the AFC.
• The winner of the Texans vs. the Colts is in the playoffs, and the loser is out. Of note, Houston with former former Crimson Tide linebacker can become the first team with a rookie head coach and qualifying rookie quarterback to make the postseason since the 2012 (Colts).
• On Sunday, Jacksonville clinches the AFC South with a win. A loss and the Jaguars are out.
• The Buccaneers will win the NFC South with a victory in Charlotte over the Panthers. A loss, and Tampa Bay is out, while the winner of the Falcons at Saints wins the division
• The Cowboys win the NFC East and get the No. 2 NFC seed with a win over Washington or an Eagles loss to the Giants. If Dallas loses and Philadelphia wins, the Eagles win the division.
• The Bills at Dolphins is for the AFC East and the second seed. With a loss, the Dolphins are the No. 6 see and visit the Chiefs. The Bills would be out of the playoffs should the Steelers and Jaguars win.
Also of Note:
Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen both have 15 rushing touchdowns, tied for the most by a quarterback in a season in NFL history.
Washington defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, who has topped 10-plus tackles for a loss for the third straight season, usually plays well against the Cowboys. In nine career games against Dallas he has five sacks and 11 tackles for a loss.
This is obviously a statistical anomaly, but Tua Tagovailoa can become the first player ever with a passer rating of 90-plus in nine regular-season home games in a season. He has a 112.2 rating in home games this season. The quarterback is also obviously on the verge of showing critics that he can stay healthy through an entire NFL regular season, something everyone should be rooting for after last year's concussion issues.
Puka Nacua of the Rams needs four catches to top Jaylen Waddle's rookie receptions record of 104 set in 2021.
Calvin Ridley needs 90 receiving yards for his second career 1,000-yard season (1,374 in 2020 with the Falcons).
Bama in the NFL Week 18 Tracker
How To Watch NFL Week 18 Games
Saturday's Games
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens, 3:30 p.m., CT (ESPN/ABC)
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts, 7:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)
Sunday's Games
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints, noon (CBS)
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals, noon (CBS)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans, noon (CBS)
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions, noon (FOX)
New York Jets at New England Patriots, noon (FOX)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers, noon (FOX)
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers, 3:25 p.m. (CBS)
Dallas Cowboys at Washington Commanders, 3:25 p.m. (FOX)
Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders, 3:25 p.m. (FOX)
Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers, 3:25 p.m. (CBS)
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers, 3:25 p.m. (FOX)
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants, 3:25 p.m. (CBS)
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals, 3:25 p.m. (FOX)
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins, 7:20 p.m. (NBC)
