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NFL Week 18 scores: Live playoff picture updates, results, analysis as teams battle for playoff spots

The 2023 playoff bracket is almost set

The 2023 NFL regular season wraps up Sunday with what has already been a wild Week 18. In the early window, we saw the Jacksonville Jaguars get eliminated from playoff contention with the Tennessee Titans playing spoiler, which gave the AFC South title to the Houston Texans. We also saw the Atlanta Falcons eliminated from playoff contention with a 48-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers claimed the NFC South for the third straight season with a 9-0 win over the Carolina Panthers.

In the late window, the drama ramped up quite a bit. The Cowboys claimed the NFC East with a win over the Commanders, but would've won it regardless of that victory due to the Giants' upset win over the Eagles. Now, Dallas is the No. 2 seed while Philly stands as the No. 5 seed in the conference. The Packers clinched a playoff berth with their win over the Bears, and the Rams are the No. 6 seed after they were able to beat the 49ers. 

Here's a look at the entire playoff picture in the NFC. 

  • Packers (7) at Cowboys (2)
  • Rams (6) at Lions (3)
  • Eagles (5) at Buccaneers (4)

All that is left to be determined is the AFC East, which will culminate in a showdown between the Bills and Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The winner will be the No. 2 seed in the conference and division champions, while the other will enter the postseason as a wild card opponent.  

Below, we will keep tabs on that remaining matchup and highlight playoff implications that come with it.

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Live updates
 
 

Saints now starting to run away with it. Will this be the last game for head coach Arthur Smith?

If the Bucs win and Saints win, New Orleans will need a Seahawks loss or tie to the Cardinals, and Packers loss or tie to the Bears. 
 

Jaguars go 12 plays, 42 yards and try to go for it on fourth and a long 7 at the Titans 33-yard line. Lawrence throws it underneath to Zay Jones for 4 yards. What was that play call/decision? Yikes. Turnover on downs. 

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On November 26th, the Jaguars beat the Texans to improve to 8-3 on the season. That win opened a two-game lead in the South. 

Then, they had a 91% chance to win the division and 98% chance to make the playoffs. Now, it's looking like they may be headed home. 

 

Third quarter score update

Jaguars 13 Titans 28 9:23 Q3

Falcons 17 Saints 24 11:35 Q3

Buccaneers 6 Panthers 0 5:15 Q3

 

The Titans keep rolling! The Jaguars have to get something going. Down 28-13 with 11 minutes remaining 
 

Chris Olave are you kidding? Saints take the lead
 

HALFTIME OF THE 1 P.M. SLATE

Jaguars 13 Titans 21

Falcons 17 Saints 17

Buccaneers 6 Panthers 0

 
 

Tyjae Spears scores his second TD of the day. Man oh man Jaguars! Jacksonville would be ELIMINATED from the playoffs with a loss. Texans would win the AFC South. 
 

Buccaneers get on the board with a field goal, but Baker Mayfield has not looked like himself. 11/20 72 yards. Has almost thrown multiple INTs

 

One of the interceptions of the year. Are we feeling an upset in Nashville?
 

As for Buccaneers-Panthers, we are still scoreless in Carolina. Baker Mayfield and his offense are in enemy territory marching. 

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The Jaguars defense looks TERRIBLE early on. Another long TD for a Titans RB. 
 

Tie game again in New Orleans! Had no idea this was going to be one of the most entertaining games of the day. 
 

The Jaguars take the lead for the first time today thanks to this big play. 
 

Huge defensive play for Tampa Bay!  
 

Who would have thought Falcons at Saints would be a shootout. 
 

The Saints answer the Falcons TD with one of their own. This one goes to rookie A.T. Perry.
 

Jaguars defense needs to show up today if Jacksonville wants to make the playoffs. They allow rookie Tyjae Spears to go 28 yards to the house. Titans take the lead with the first TD of the game.
 

Falcons strike first vs. the Saints
 

The former Buc Scotty Miller with a monster 56-yard pickup for Desmond Ridder and the Falcons. Atlanta needs a win and Tampa Bay loss today. 
 

On the opening drive of the game, Trevor Lawrence leads the Jaguars 49 yards down the field on 11 plays, and Brandon McManus converts on a 44-yard field goal attempt. Jags on the board with the AFC South in their sights. 

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Falcons need a win and a Bucs loss to make the postseason. They will have to do it with Desmond Ridder at QB.
 

Lawrence is in, which is no surprise. However, not having Christian Kirk hurts. 
 

Jaguars playoff clinching scenarios 

  • Win at Titans
 

Steelers playoff clinching scenarios 

  • Bills loss
  • Jaguars loss or tie
 

Buccaneers playoff clinching scenarios

  • Win at Panthers 
  • Tie at Panthers AND Seahawks loss AND Packers loss or tie
 

Saints playoff clinching scenarios

  • Win at Falcons AND Buccaneers loss or tie to Panthers
  • Win at Falcons AND Seahawks loss or tie AND Packers loss or tie
  • Tie at Falcons AND Seahawks loss AND Packers loss
 

Falcons playoff clinching scenarios

  • Win vs. Saints AND Buccaneers loss to Panthers
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