NFL Week 18 Recap

The NFL regular season is complete, as several teams have much to be excited about going into the postseason. This includes the Chicago Bears, who unexpectedly secured the number-one draft pick after the Houston Texans beat the Indianapolis Colts. This puts Chicago in a position to get several top picks in the 2023 and 2024 drafts. This comes just in time for Justin Fields’ fourth NFL season. 

Despite missing the playoffs, the Detroit Lions are one of the teams that must feel better about themselves. They started the season 1-6 and finished at 9-8. They came in second place in the NFC North. Also, the Steelers and Mike Tomlin avoided the coach’s first losing season. This comes after winning their final four games to finish with a 9-8 record. 

Many teams have reason to be concerned after this season’s results. The Texans fired their coach after one season. This is the second straight year they did so. Lovie Smith was let go despite his team’s victory over the Colts. Finally, Cleveland Browns fans have to wonder if Deshaun Watson is worth his massive contract. 

Seahawks Clinch Final NFC Wild Card

The Seattle Seahawks got a little help from the Detroit Lions to make it back to the postseason for the tenth time in 13 seasons, as they needed overtime to beat the Los Angeles Rams 19-16. The Lions beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night to eliminate them from the playoffs and give Seattle the final playoff berth in the NFC. 

The Hawks were five-point favorites heading into this matchup at home but trailed 13-6 at halftime. The Rams went up 16-13 in the final quarter, but Seattle tied the game on a 22-yard field goal with just over two minutes left to tie the game at the end of regulation.

After the Seahawks punted on the first possession of overtime, Baker Mayfield threw an interception on the Rams’ first series. Geno Smith then led the Seahawks 50 yards on eight plays to set up the game-winning 32-yard field goal.

Seattle travels to San Francisco on Saturday to face the 49ers in the Wild Card Round.

* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.