NFL Week 18 Playoff Race: Seahawks vs 49ers for NFC No.1 Seed
Week 18 of the NFL season features a pivotal matchup between the Seattle Seahawks (13-3) and the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) competing for the NFC No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. Both teams enter this clash riding six-game winning streaks. The Seahawks’ defense is formidable, allowing just 18.1 points per game, ranking second in the NFL, and they have recorded 44 sacks, which is eighth best. However, the 49ers may face challenges protecting quarterback Brock Purdy, who could be without his left tackle Trent Williams, a key factor as pass-protection concerns mount.
The 49ers need to contain Seattle’s strong run game to stay competitive. San Francisco’s pass rush has struggled this season, ranking last in the league with only 18 sacks, largely due to Nick Bosa being out. This may force San Francisco’s quarterback Darnold to shoulder more responsibility in making plays while relying heavily on the defense to force turnovers.
In AFC developments, the Houston Texans have been on the rise with an eight-game winning streak, standing at 11-5. They could clinch the AFC South title by beating the Colts if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose to the Titans. Quarterback Stroud-led defense and strong overall form give the Texans an improved chance at a title run.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Rams have slid down to the sixth seed after a difficult stretch of games. Their playoff hopes hinge on a win over the Arizona Cardinals as well as favorable results for San Francisco and Seattle. The Rams’ quarterback Stafford’s MVP aspirations have been hindered, notably after a game with three interceptions. The absence of Adams and ongoing offensive line problems have also contributed to their recent struggles.
The race for the No. 1 overall draft pick is also noteworthy. The Las Vegas Raiders (2-14) could secure the top pick with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile, four teams with 3-13 records — the New York Jets, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals — could reshape the draft order depending on their final results. Based on strength of schedule tiebreakers, the Giants would be second, Jets third, Titans fourth, and Cardinals fifth.
If the season ended today, the playoff standings would be as follows: AFC: No.1 Denver Broncos (13-3), No.2 New England Patriots (13-3), No.3 Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4), No.4 Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7), No.5 Houston Texans (11-5), No.6 Los Angeles Chargers (11-5), No.7 Buffalo Bills (11-5), with Baltimore Ravens (8-8) on the bubble. NFC: No.1 Seattle Seahawks (13-3), No.2 Chicago Bears (11-5), No.3 Philadelphia Eagles (11-5), No.4 Carolina Panthers (8-8), No.5 San Francisco 49ers (12-4), No.6 Los Angeles Rams (11-5), No.7 Green Bay Packers (9-6-1), with Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) on the bubble.
