Week 17 NFL results set up crucial Week 18 battles for division titles in NFC South and AFC North
Week 17 results have set the stage for pivotal Week 18 decisions in the NFC South and AFC North divisions, with key matchups between the Panthers and Buccaneers, and the Ravens and Steelers.
In the NFC South, the Carolina Panthers lost to the Seattle Seahawks 27-10. The Seahawks entered the game with a 12-3 record and hold the top seed in the NFC. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also suffered a narrow 20-17 defeat to the Miami Dolphins, a game in which Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield threw two interceptions alongside two touchdowns. The Dolphins, now 7-9, are already out of playoff contention.
NFC South tiebreakers could come into play if both the Panthers and Buccaneers finish with 8-9 records. The Panthers hold a head-to-head victory over Tampa Bay, winning 23-20. However, tiebreak rules next consider division records (both teams are 3-3), then common games, where the Buccaneers gain an edge due to their Week 13 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
In the AFC North, the Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game featuring a controversial non-call on a fourth-and-goal play. Despite this setback, the Steelers still control their own destiny heading into the final week.
The Baltimore Ravens improved to an 8-8 record after a dominant performance featuring Derrick Henry, who scored four rushing touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers. The Ravens and Steelers face each other in Week 18 at Acrisure Stadium. This matchup will determine the AFC North champion and who secures a coveted playoff spot.
