The REAL Winners & Losers from NFL Week 18

NFL Week 18 wrapped up the regular season with a mix of drama, upsets, and some games with little postseason impact. While some teams secured playoff berths and top seeds, others saw their seasons end in disappointment. Several head coaches lost their jobs, records were set, and fans witnessed moments that will be debated for years. Here’s a comprehensive look at the real winners and losers from the final week of the 2025-2026 NFL season.

The Playoff Picture

The playoff bracket is set. The Steelers clinched the AFC North in dramatic fashion, while Denver and Seattle earned the top seeds in their respective conferences. The Falcons helped the Panthers into the playoffs, and the Jets set a dubious record. The Jaguars, Rams, Texans, and Bills all handled business to secure their postseason spots.

Key Playoff Notes:

Steelers win the North: Pittsburgh’s late-game heroics secured the division.
Denver & Seattle: Both teams locked up the #1 seed, giving them a crucial bye week.
Falcons & Panthers: Atlanta’s win sent Carolina to the postseason.
Jets: New York finished the season with a record they’d rather forget.

Coaching Carousel

Week 18 is notorious for coaching changes, and this year was no different. Several teams parted ways with their head coaches and general managers.

Notable Firings:

Raheem Morris (Falcons): Despite tying for first in the NFC South and ending on a four-game win streak, Morris was let go.
Terry Fontenot (Falcons GM): Five losing seasons led to his departure.
Kevin Stefanski (Browns): The coach is now a top candidate for other teams.
Pete Carroll (Raiders): After a brief stint in Las Vegas, Carroll steps away at age 73.
Jonathan Gannon (Cardinals): Couldn’t elevate the team, finishing 15-36 in three seasons.
Other teams seeking coaches: Browns, Giants, Titans, Cardinals, Falcons, and Raiders.

The Blunders: Top 10 Plays Gone Wrong

Every week has its share of mishaps, and Week 18 was no exception. Here are the ten plays so unfortunate, they’ll be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Will Levis: The quarterback’s struggles continued, raising questions about his future.
Rico Dael: Slipped mid-flea flicker in the rain, a play that was doomed from the start.
JJ McCarthy: Flagged for taunting, then appeared to be taunting himself by game’s end.
Mike Tomlin’s Press Conference: Offered one of the most memorable quotes of the season.
Emanuel Wilson: Attempted a highlight-reel play but ended up with negative rushing yards.
Jets Pitch Attempt: A failed fourth-and-one pitch summed up their season.
Play Clock Issues: Several teams struggled to get plays off, leading to confusion and delay penalties.
Marshawn Lynch: Earned an FCC fine for colorful language on the ManningCast.
Shader Sanders: Self-sacked after tripping over his own feet.
Blake Groupy: Missed tackle attempt highlighted the difficulty of special teams play.

Defensive Dominance

Seahawks Defense

Seattle’s defense was relentless, holding the 49ers to just three points and 173 total yards. Brock Purdy, who had accounted for 10 touchdowns in the previous two games, was shut down. Seattle’s running game, led by Kenneth Walker and Zack Charbonnet, controlled the clock and the tempo.

Browns Defense

Cleveland’s defense scored two touchdowns against the Bengals and set the tone in a surprisingly competitive game. Miles Garrett broke the single-season sack record, finishing with 23 sacks in just 437 snaps—a remarkable feat.

Special Teams and Kicking Records

This season saw nine different kickers make 60-plus yard field goals, with two more added on Sunday. Cam Little of the Jaguars set a new record with a 68-yard field goal, the longest in NFL history.

Offensive Highlights

Matthew Stafford (Rams)

Stafford capped off the season with a four-touchdown performance and 457 passing yards against the Cardinals, finishing with league-highs in touchdowns and passing yards.

Puka Nakua (Rams)

Nakua continued his stellar season, surpassing Randy Moss’s receiving yards total for a player’s first three seasons.

Alec Pierce (Colts)

Pierce finished the year with 47 receptions for 1,030 yards and became the first player in over 42 years to score six or more receiving touchdowns and average 20+ yards per reception in consecutive seasons.

Notable Games and Moments

Steelers vs. Ravens

The AFC North title was decided in a dramatic fourth quarter, with missed kicks and last-minute touchdowns. Pittsburgh came alive, scoring 23 of their 26 points in the second half, and clinched the division with a nail-biting finish.

Buccaneers vs. Panthers

Tampa Bay finished atop the NFC South with a losing record. Cade Otton emerged as a key target for Baker Mayfield, while the referees’ controversial calls drew criticism from fans and analysts alike.

Saints vs. Falcons

A game between two non-playoff teams determined the division winner. The Saints made a late push, but failed to recover the onside kick, keeping the Panthers’ season alive.

Packers vs. Vikings

Green Bay was locked into the seventh seed, but their performance against Minnesota was lackluster. Emanuel Wilson lost 19 yards on one run, and JJ McCarthy’s taunting penalty overshadowed his otherwise solid play.

Giants vs. Cowboys

New York finished the season with a home victory, pulling Dak Prescott for Joe Milton in the second half. The Giants are 8-30 in their last 38 games, with most wins coming late in the season.

Records and Milestones

Jets: First team in NFL history to complete a season without recording a single interception.
Packers: The only team to lose to a Kyle Shanahan-coached team after trailing by seven or more in the fourth quarter.
Miles Garrett: Broke the single-season sack record in just 437 snaps.
Cam Little (Jaguars): Set the record for the longest field goal at 68 yards.

MVPs and Standouts

Matthew Stafford (Rams): Four touchdowns and 457 yards in the final game.
Miles Garrett (Browns): Defensive MVP for his record-breaking season.
Puka Nakua (Rams): Offensive rookie standout.
Alec Pierce (Colts): Most stimulating play and top receiver award.
Cam Little (Jaguars): Winning leg for his historic field goal.

Looking Ahead

With the regular season concluded, the focus shifts to the playoffs. The Seahawks, Broncos, Steelers, Jaguars, Rams, Texans, and Bills are among the teams to watch. Several franchises are searching for new leadership, and the NFL’s coaching carousel is in full swing.

Teams Seeking Coaches:

Browns
Giants
Titans
Cardinals
Falcons
Raiders

Final Thoughts

Week 18 delivered drama, controversy, and unforgettable moments. From record-setting performances to coaching changes and playoff clinchers, the NFL continues to prove why it’s the most unpredictable league in sports. As the postseason begins, fans can expect even more excitement, heartbreak, and history in the making.

Stay tuned for daily coverage, power rankings, and in-depth playoff analysis as the journey to the Super Bowl continues.