The Regular season is coming to an end

As we head into Week 18 of the NFL regular season, most of the play-off spots have been secured, but there are still a few key match-ups that will determine seeding and division winners:

1. Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers

• An exciting Sunday-nighter that will determine who captures the vaunted AFC North crown and ultimately a spot in the playoffs, with the loser heading home for the offseason. The old wizard Aaron Rodgers gives the Steelers their first division title since 2020 and himself another shot at that elusive second Lombardi.

Prediction: 21-17 Pittsburgh Steelers

2. Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• A dark-horse matchup of the week in a gauntlet of Week 18 games takes centre stage on Saturday afternoon, with a lot on the line for both teams. It is not a simple win and you’re in for both teams, but it sure is for Carolina as a victory for the Panthers would give them their first NFC South title since 2015 and their first postseason appearance since 2017. It is a little more complicated for Tampa Bay as even a victory would not ensure a division title, but more things would have to go their way, such as help from the New Orleans Saints in beating the Atlanta Falcons. Young (no-pun intended) ascending QB Bryce Young powers the Panthers past the Bucs on the road.

Prediction: 31-28 Carolina Panthers

3. Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers

• The match of the week goes to these 2 NFC juggernauts as they clash for the NFC West crown and the #1 seed in the playoffs, which has its benefits; a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Truly a winner takes all classic on Saturday night primetime! CMC runs all over the Seahawks defense and into a first-round bye.

Prediction: 17-14 San Francisco 49ers