Week 18 NFL Injuries and Key Matchups

Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season is upon us, marking the final time all 32 teams will take the field until next September. While most of the postseason field is already set, divisions and seeding remain in play across the 16 games scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. This week can be a challenging one for bettors due to varying levels of motivation and the impact of injuries. Here’s a look at the most notable injuries of Week 18, along with insights into which teams are expected to rest key starters.

Panthers vs. Buccaneers

The Panthers have a chance to win their first NFC South title since 2015 with a victory over the Buccaneers on Saturday. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay needs a win and a loss by the Atlanta Falcons to secure its fifth consecutive division title. Both teams enter the final week of the season in good health. The Buccaneers are a 3-point favorite, with a total of 43.5 points.

Seahawks vs. 49ers

This matchup will determine the winner of the NFC West and the No. 1 seed in the conference. The 49ers won this game in Week 1 by a score of 17-13. Seattle is without starting left tackle Charles Cross due to a hamstring injury, while the 49ers are missing tight end George Kittle (ankle), offensive tackle Trent Williams (hamstring), and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee and ankle). George Kittle is expected to play, however. Seattle is favored by 2.5 points, with a total of 47.5.

Packers vs. Vikings

The Packers are locked into the No. 7 seed in the NFC, so they are expected to rest many key players against a Vikings team that hopes to build momentum for 2026. Quarterback Malik Willis (shoulder and hamstring) is questionable, and wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) is doubtful. The Vikings are without tight end T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) and running back Aaron Jones (hip). Minnesota is favored by 9.5, with a total of 37.5.

Cowboys vs. Giants

Both offenses are shorthanded in this matchup, as Dallas is without top running backs Javonte Williams (shoulder and neck) and Malik Davis (calf and eye), while New York is missing tight end Theo Johnson (illness) and wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson (rib). Dallas is favored by 3.5, with a total of 49.5.

Colts vs. Texans

The Texans are hoping for a win and some help to claim the AFC South. They are in good shape on the injury front, while the Colts are without top cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf). Rookie Riley Leonard will step in for Philip Rivers, ending his brief return to the NFL. The Texans are 10-point favorites, with a total of 38.5.

Browns vs. Bengals

The Browns are down two top tight ends, Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) and David Njoku (knee), which could affect their offense against a Bengals defense that struggles against tight ends. Cincinnati is a 7.5-point favorite, with a total of 44.5.

Saints vs. Falcons

Both offenses are dealing with key injuries. The Saints are without running back Alvin Kamara (knee and ankle) and wide receiver Chris Olave (blood clot scare). The Falcons have Drake London (knee) and Kyle Pitts (knee) as questionable. Atlanta is favored by 3.5, with a total of 43.5.

Titans vs. Jaguars

The Jaguars are looking to clinch the AFC South and possibly the No. 1 seed with a win. They are in good health, while the Titans are just trying to finish the season. Jacksonville is a 13.5-point favorite, with a total of 47.5.

Cardinals vs. Rams

Arizona is down Marvin Harrison Jr. (foot) for the season finale, while the Rams have Davante Adams (hamstring), Kyren Williams (ankle), and Blake Corum (ankle) as questionable. Los Angeles is favored by 8.5, with a total of 46.5.

Commanders vs. Eagles

The Eagles are expected to rest key players ahead of the postseason, including quarterback Jalen Hurts. Marcus Mariota (hand and quad) is out for the Commanders, who will turn to Josh Johnson. Philadelphia is favored by 4.5, with a total of 38.5.

Chargers vs. Broncos

The Chargers are resting many key players, including quarterback Justin Herbert, who had surgery on his left hand. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) is out, and Kimani Vidal (neck) is questionable. Denver is a 12.5-point favorite, with a total of 37.5.

Jets vs. Bills

The Jets are without Breece Hall (knee) and Mason Taylor (neck), while the Bills have Dalton Kincaid (knee) as questionable. Buffalo is a 7.5-point favorite, with a total of 37.5.

Dolphins vs. Patriots

The Patriots can clinch the top seed in the AFC with a win and a Broncos loss. The Dolphins are without De’Von Achane (shoulder) and Jaylen Waddle (ribs). New England is favored by 11.5, with a total of 45.5.

Lions vs. Bears

The Lions have nothing to play for but pride, while the Bears can secure the No. 7 seed in the NFC with a win. Detroit may be without Amon-Ra St. Brown (knee and ankle), while Rome Odunze (foot) is aiming to return. Chicago is a 3-point favorite, with a total of 50.5.

Chiefs vs. Raiders

The Raiders are playing for pride after a 10-game losing streak. They are without quarterback Geno Smith (ankle), while the Chiefs are expected to use third-string QB Chris Oladokun. Kansas City is a 5.5-point favorite, with a total of 36.5.

Ravens vs. Steelers

The AFC North will be decided in this matchup, with the winner securing the No. 4 seed in the AFC. Both teams will get their best players back, as Lamar Jackson (back) returns for Baltimore and T.J. Watt (lung) returns for Pittsburgh. The Ravens are a 3.5-point road favorite, with a total of 41.5.