WEEK 18: SUNDAY RAPID REACTION

Playoff spots and seeding were still at large when Week 18 kicked off, which added a load of intrigue to the action. The NFL and world celebrated something much more important than a win on the field this week and that is the tremendous recovery of Damar Hamlin. The raw emotion and love being shown this past week is evidence of human compassion, which we must see more of.

There were two games on Saturday night with playoff implications. The Chiefs embarrassed the Raiders, making a mockery of them with a spinning huddle. This KC victory locked them in as the Top Seed in the AFC Playoffs. The Jaguars hosted the Titans with the division on the line. The Jags defense was in throwback mode and fueled by a Duuuval infused TIAA Bank crowd, they conquered King Henry and friends. This win has the Jags back in the playoffs for the first time since they were 1 controversial play away from the Super Bowl in the 2017/18 season.

The early kicks focused on the Dolphins, Steelers and Patriots now that the Jaguars won the AFC South on Saturday. The Steelers were in control of the Browns all day and emerged victorious. This win capped off an amazing run for the Steelers and it ensured that once again, Mike Tomlin would not have a losing season. The Patriots showed fight, but Hines returned the opening kickoff for a Touchdown as well as another in the second half to fuel the Bills victory. The Dolphins were down to their 3rd string QB once again, but Jason Sanders was the offense Miami needed to win 11-6 and officially return to the Playoffs. The Panthers beat the Saints and the Falcons stormed back to beat the Buccaneers. The Battle for the Top Pick was at stake between the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears. All Houston had to do was lose to the inept Colts, but they choose violence and decided to win the game. The Bears continued to show they are ready for hibernation and bent the knee to the invading Norsemen. These events secured the 1st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft for the Chicago Bears and leave the Texans waiting on their future franchise quarterback.

The late kickoff window lacked excitement once the Eagles took control early in the game. The Eagles captured the top seed and the last time they did, they won the Super Bowl. The Cowboys looked lifeless against the Commanders as well, but most likely due to resting some starters. The 49ers showed focus and momentum with their drubbing of the Cardinals and most likely confirming the exit of Kliff Kingsbury. The Broncos offense came to life as a result of the Chargers resting a lot of their contributors in preparation for the Jags. The magical season for the Seahawks was kept alive as they survived the Rams with an OT victory. The Detroit Lions whipped the Packers, eliminating them from the Playoffs. Adding to the result is the mystery that is Aaron Rodgers future and what could have been his final home start at Lambeau Field.

Yes America….all 3 NFL teams in Florida are in the playoffs!

BEST WINS OF WEEK 18:

• DAMAR HAMLIN
• JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
• MIAMI DOLPHINS
• CINCINNATI BENGALS
• BUFFALO BILLS
• SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
• DETROIT LIONS

WORST EFFORTS OF WEEK 18:

• TENNESSEE TITANS
• HOUSTON TEXANS (LOST BY WINN8NG)
• TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
• DALLAS COWBOYS
• GREEN BAY PACKERS

AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE:

• TOP SEED: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
• #7 SEED MIAMI DOLPHINS AT #2 SEED BUFFALO BILLS
• #6 SEED BALTIMORE RAVENS AT #3 SEED CINCINNATI BENGALS
• #5 SEED LA CHARGERS AT #4 SEED JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

NFC PLAYOFF PICTURE:

• TOP SEED: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
• # 7 SEED. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS AT # 2 SEED SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
• #6 SEED NEW YORK GIANTS AT #3 SEED MINNESOTA VIKINGS
• #5 SEED DALLAS COWBOYS AT #4 SEED TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Lets the NFL Playoff chaos commence!!