What to Watch for in NFL Week 18: Key Matchups for Playoff Spots In Regular Season Finale

The NFL community has been on edge all week, anxiously monitoring the recovery of Damar Hamlin as he remains hospitalized following his on-field collapse during Monday’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals.

Despite the emotional backdrop, the NFL’s final regular-season week is set to offer an array of high-stakes football action. Hamlin’s sudden collapse in the first quarter led to the immediate suspension and subsequent cancellation of the game, as the league made the unprecedented decision to cancel the matchup on Thursday night.

This decision has serious implications for the playoff picture, particularly for the Bills, who stand at 12-3, trailing the Kansas City Chiefs, who are 13-3, in the race for the top seed in the AFC.

With the regular season winding down, the Bills face a crucial game against the New England Patriots, who have a record of 8-8. A victory for the Bills combined with a Chiefs loss would propel Buffalo to the No. 1 seed in the conference, thanks to a superior win percentage.

As the Bills prepare for their Sunday showdown, the team’s focus will be on seizing the opportunity to potentially secure a first-round bye in the playoffs. The stakes could not be higher, with the Bills’ path to the top of the AFC hinging on both their performance and the outcome of the Chiefs’ game.

This weekend’s games promise to deliver drama and excitement, even as the NFL family continues to rally around Hamlin and support his ongoing recovery.