The Jacksonville Jaguars have already clinched a spot in the playoffs, but a win this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans will also give them the No. 1 spot in the AFC South. (You can take a look at the complete playoff picture for every team here.) Though the Titans’ season will end after this Sunday’s game, at least rookie quarterback can be proud of his season; after Sunday’s game, Ward will have started in all 17 of the team’s games this season.
The Titans vs. Jaguars game will kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET this Sunday on Fox. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch this Sunday’s game and get the full Week 18 schedule for the rest of the league.
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How to watch the Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars:
Date: Sunday, Jan. 4
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
TV channel: FOX
Streaming: DirecTV, FOX One, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo + more
Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game time:
The Titans vs. Jaguars game kicks off at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT this Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game channel:
The game between the Titans and Jaguars will air on FOX.
How to watch the Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game without cable:
You can stream FOX on platforms like DirecTV and Fubo, and the game will also be available on FOX’s streaming platform FOX One. You can also tune in on NFL+ for mobile viewing.
NFL Week 18 schedule:
All times Eastern.
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Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
-
Colts vs. Texans: 1:00 p.m.(CBS)
-
Chargers vs. Broncos: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
-
Browns vs. Bengals: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
-
Packers vs. Vikings: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
-
Jets vs. Bills: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
-
Commanders vs. Eagles: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
-
Saints vs. Falcons: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
-
Titans vs. Jaguars: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
-
Cowboys vs. Giants: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
-
Lions vs. Bears: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
-
Cardinals vs. Rams: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
-
Dolphins vs. Patriots: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
-
Ravens vs. Steelers: 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
How to watch NFL games in 2025:
Many NFL games are broadcast on local channels, so if you’re looking to catch an in-market game, it may be as simple as turning on your TV (or setting up a digital TV antenna) or finding a live TV streaming service that carries the correct RSN (Regional Sports Network). If you want to watch out-of-market games, a $7 monthly subscription to NFL+ will let you watch every out-of-market-game local and primetime game in the season on your phone — but only a select few regular season games on your TV. You could also spring for the uber-expensive NFL Sunday Ticket package to get every out-of-market Sunday game of the season.
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When it comes to nationally broadcast games, NFL games typically air across ESPN, NBC, CBS, Fox, ABC and NFL Network. Thursday Night Football games stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, select football games will stream exclusively on Peacock, games on CBS will stream live on Paramount+, and Monday Night Football games will air on ESPN or ABC and stream on the newly revamped ESPN+ this season. That’s six channels and four streaming platforms to keep up with this season — and that’s not counting your local RSN’s for in-market games and an NFL+ or NFL Sunday Ticket subscription for out-of-market games. Plus, Netflix is once again hosting at least two Christmas Day matches, so add that subscription into the mix. And we can’t forget about Fox One, Fox’s first streaming service, a place where you can also stream games airing on FOX (if you don’t already have access to it).
Confused? You’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of the platforms we recommend checking out ahead of the 2025 NFL season, so that come game time, tuning into your favorite team’s games will be as easy as simply turning on the TV.
- Free trial available
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
- Free ESPN unlimited
- Entirely sports-focused
- Doesn’t include NBC
- You probably already have access to Prime Video
- Only Thursday Night Football games
- Can only watch MOST live games on your phone
- All ESPN content in one place
- Content from NFL Network and NFL RedZone
- Bundle option with NFL+
- Only ESPN games available with the base service
Tickets for the 2025 NFL season are on sale now.
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Every way to watch NFL games this season:
To recap, here are all the ways you can watch NFL games in 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos: How to watch today’s NFL game, kickoff time, TV channel and more
The Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos are both a lock for the playoffs, but a lot is still riding on their Sunday game. The Broncos can clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC if they win the game (or if the Patriots lose to Dolphins and the Jaguars lose to the Titans), while the Chargers, who have a wild-card spot in the playoffs, could rise to the No. 5 seed if they win and the Texans lose to the Colts. With so many playoff variables up in the air, we’ll be toggling between every game all afternoon on Sunday to see how things shake out in real time.
The Chargers vs. Broncos game will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch this and every other Week 18 game.
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How to watch the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos:
Date: Sunday, Jan. 4
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
TV channel: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+, DirecTV, NFL+ and more
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos game time:
The Chargers vs. Broncos game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET/1:25 p.m. PT on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos game channel:
The Week 18 game between the Chargers and the Broncos will air on CBS, which means if it’s on in your area, it’ll also stream live on Paramount+. You can also tune in on mobile devices with NFL+.
How to watch the Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos game without cable:
NFL Week 18 schedule:
All times Eastern.
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Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
-
Colts vs. Texans: 1:00 p.m.(CBS)
-
Chargers vs. Broncos: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
-
Browns vs. Bengals: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
-
Packers vs. Vikings: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
-
Jets vs. Bills: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
-
Commanders vs. Eagles: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
-
Saints vs. Falcons: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
-
Titans vs. Jaguars: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
-
Cowboys vs. Giants: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
-
Lions vs. Bears: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
-
Cardinals vs. Rams: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
-
Dolphins vs. Patriots: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
-
Ravens vs. Steelers: 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
How to watch NFL games in 2025:
Many NFL games are broadcast on local channels, so if you’re looking to catch an in-market game, it may be as simple as turning on your TV (or setting up a digital TV antenna) or finding a live TV streaming service that carries the correct RSN (Regional Sports Network). If you want to watch out-of-market games, a $7 monthly subscription to NFL+ will let you watch every out-of-market-game local and primetime game in the season on your phone — but only a select few regular season games on your TV. You could also spring for the uber-expensive NFL Sunday Ticket package to get every out-of-market Sunday game of the season.
Advertisement
When it comes to nationally broadcast games, NFL games typically air across ESPN, NBC, CBS, Fox, ABC and NFL Network. Thursday Night Football games stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, select football games will stream exclusively on Peacock, games on CBS will stream live on Paramount+, and Monday Night Football games will air on ESPN or ABC and stream on the newly revamped ESPN+ this season. That’s six channels and four streaming platforms to keep up with this season — and that’s not counting your local RSN’s for in-market games and an NFL+ or NFL Sunday Ticket subscription for out-of-market games. Plus, Netflix is once again hosting at least two Christmas Day matches, so add that subscription into the mix. And we can’t forget about Fox One, Fox’s first streaming service, a place where you can also stream games airing on FOX (if you don’t already have access to it).
Confused? You’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of the platforms we recommend checking out ahead of the 2025 NFL season, so that come game time, tuning into your favorite team’s games will be as easy as simply turning on the TV.
- Free trial available
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
- Free ESPN unlimited
- Entirely sports-focused
- Doesn’t include NBC
- You probably already have access to Prime Video
- Only Thursday Night Football games
- Can only watch MOST live games on your phone
- All ESPN content in one place
- Content from NFL Network and NFL RedZone
- Bundle option with NFL+
- Only ESPN games available with the base service
Tickets for the 2025 NFL season are on sale now.
Advertisement
Every way to watch NFL games this season:
To recap, here are all the ways you can watch NFL games in 2025.
Which NFL players are sitting out in Week 18? Justin Herbert, Nico Collins, De’Von Achane among big names not playing, full inactive lists
Week 18 in the NFL can mean everything — and nothing — to a team. For some franchises — like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or New York Giants — there’s actually a lot on the line during the final week of the regular season. For others — like the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans — there’s not a ton at stake that is going to drastically change the team’s plans moving forward.
Because of that, teams treat the final week of the regular season much differently than every other week. A team that has already secured a postseason spot might opt to rest players, even if they can still move up or down in the seeding. A team that has no shot at the playoffs might opt to rest players too, not risking a catastrophic injury to a key star in a meaningless game.
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Now that the final week of the regular season has arrived, here is a full list of inactives for Week 18, including key players like Nico Collins and Justin Herbert, who are reportedly sitting out:
Saints inactives: S Ugo Amadi, QB Spencer Rattler, WR Chris Olave, RB Alvin Kamara, OL Xavier Truss, DT Bryan Bresee, DT Nathan Shepherd
Falcons inactives: P Trenton Gill, ILB Ronnie Harrison, DL Brandon Dorlus, OL Michael Jerrell, WR Casey Washington, WR Malik Heath
Browns inactives: TE Harold Fannin Jr., T Jeremiah Byers, C Kingsley Eguakun, WR Jamari Thrash, TE David Njoku, DT Sam Kamara
Bengals inactives: QB Jake Browning (Emergency 3rd QB), WR Charlie Jones, CB Josh Newton, S Daijahn Anthony, DE Joseph Ossai, TE Cam Grandy, DT Jordan Jefferson
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Colts inactives: CB Sauce Gardner, DT Eric Johnson II, S Reuben Lowery III, TE Will Mallory, S George Odum, QB Philip Rivers
Texans inactives: CB Kamari Lassiter, WR Nico Collins, WR Braxton Berrios, QB Graham Mertz, RB Nick Chubb, LB Jamal Hill, OT Trent Brown
Key absence: Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are safely in the playoffs, though the team could see its seeding move quite a bit depending on what happens in Week 18. The Texans enter the week as the No. 5 seed in the AFC, though the team could move as high as No. 3 and as low as No. 7 based on what happens during the final week of the regular season.
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Despite that, star wideout Nico Collins is not expected to play when the Texans take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Collins is not injured, and is considered a healthy scratch for the contest.
The 26-year-old is coming off yet another strong season, in which he hauled in 71 catches for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns. That performance earned Collins his second straight Pro Bowl nod.
Instead of pushing Collins for another week, the Texans will give the star some rest before the playoffs begin. After missing some time last season, Collins has stayed relatively healthy in 2025, missing just one game this season. Still, the Texans don’t want to take any chances with their star ahead of the postseason.
Betting impact: Despite Collins’ absence, there was minimal line movement, with the Texans going from -10 to -10.5.
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Titans inactives: S Amani Hooker, OLB Arden Key, OG Drew Moss, OG Garrett Dellinger, OT Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, TE Gunnar Helm
Jaguars inactives: CB Keith Taylor, OL PAtrick Mekari, TE Hunter Long, TE Patrick Herbert, DL Emmanuel Ogbah, DT Maason Smith
Packers inactives: QB Malik Willis, LB Quay Walker, RB Josh Jacobs, WR Dontayvion Wicks, S Xavier McKinney, OT Zach Tom, LB Edgerrin Cooper
Vikings inactives: WR Myles Price, QB John Wolford (Emergency 3rd QB), QB Brett Rypien, RB Aaron Jones Sr., OT Walter Routes, TE T.J. Hockenson
Key absence: Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are the No. 7 seed in the NFC. The team can’t move out of that spot. Because of that, Jordan Love, despite being cleared from a concussion, isn’t expected to play in Week 18.
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And with backup Malik Willis also dealing with injuries, the Packers announced earlier in the week Clayton Tune will get the start against the Minnesota Vikings. Willis will be inactive for the contest, and Love will serve as Tune’s backup.
Since the news was announced previously, Love’s absence shouldn’t come as a surprise. Running back Josh Jacobs is also out.
Betting impact: Once it became clear the Packers were resting starters, the Vikings’ line jumped from -6.5 to -12.5.
Cowboys inactives: LB DeMarvion Overshown, CB Shavon REvel, S Alijah Clark, DT Jay Toia, DT Perrion Winfrey
Giants inactives: S Jevón Holland, WR Ryan Miller, WR Jalin Hyatt, RB Dante Miller, OLB Caleb Murphy, TE Theo Johnson, QB Russell Wilson (Emergency 3rd QB)
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NFL players expected to sit out in Week 18
The following players don’t play in the early slate in Week 18, but are expected to sit Sunday:
Chargers inactives: DB Elijah Molden, S Derwin James Jr., RB Omarion Hampton, QB Justin Herbert, OLB Tuli Tuipulotu, OL Jamaree Salyer, C Bradley Bozeman
Broncos inactives: CB Reese Taylor, OLB Que Robinson, LB Dre Greenlaw, OT Geron Christian, TE Marcedes Lewis, DL John Franklin-Myers
Key absence: Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have little to play for in Week 18. The team can move around in the AFC playoff seeding, but would still go on the road for every one of its first-round matchups.
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Because of that, quarterback Justin Herbert is expected to sit, along with running back Omarion Hampton, pass rusher Khalil Mack and safety Derwin James. Herbert, Mack and James aren’t battling injuries and are expected to miss the game against the Denver Broncos due to rest.
Herbert turned in another solid season with the Chargers. The 27-year-old finished the year with 3,727 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Key absence: Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Rookie running back Omarion Hampton is also expected to sit for the Chargers in Week 18. Hampton missed a significant amount of time as a rookie thanks to an ankle injury. He played in just nine games, rushing for 545 yards and four touchdowns.
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Hampton will miss Week 18 due to an ankle injury as well. He did not practice all week, and was ruled out for the game after the Friday practice report. His absence — unlike Herbert’s or Mack’s shouldn’t come as a major surprise.
Hampton is hoping to play in the team’s first playoff game, so the injury isn’t expected to be serious.
Betting impact: Once it became clear the Chargers would treat Week 18 as a rest week, the line moved from Broncos -7.5 to Broncos -14, a significant jump.
Dolphins inactives: QB Tua Tagovailoa (Emergency 3rd QB), QB Cam Miller, WR Jaylen Waddle, RB De’Von Achane, S Minkah Fitzpatrick, LB Chop Robinson, OL Austin Jackson
Patriots inactives: LB Harold Landry III, LB Robert Spillane, OT Marcus Bryant, G Jared Wilson, G Caedan Wallace, NT Khyiris Tonga, QB Tommy DeVito (emergency third QB)
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Key absence: De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
At 7-9, the Miami Dolphins have nothing to play for in Week 18. With the season essentially over, star running back De’Von Achane will reportedly sit out the final game of the regular season. He won’t be the only key player on the team to miss the contest against the New England Patriots, as wideout Jaylen Waddle is also expected to sit.
It turned out to be an exceptional third season for Achane, who rushed for a career-high 1,350 yards and scored eight rushing touchdowns. He led the league in yards per attempt at 5.7.
Achane was also a threat as a receiver, gaining 488 yards through the air and scoring four receiving touchdowns. That performance earned him his first-ever trip to the Pro Bowl.
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Given that there’s little on the line for the Dolphins in Week 18, the move was likely made to ensure Achane stays healthy heading into the offseason. The Dolphins are a team that could experience major change after Week 18, as head coach Mike McDaniel could be fired and former starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could also be on his way out. That could make Achane the most important player on the team’s offense next season, which is a good reason to not risk a major injury in Week 18.
Key absence: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
Much like Achane, the Dolphins likely feel there’s no reason to risk one of their top offensive players in a meaningless game. Also like Achane, Waddle could be one of the most impactful offensive players on the team next season, especially if the Dolphins also move on from Tyreek Hill.
Waddle finished his fifth NFL season with 910 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He hasn’t hit the highs he showed early in his career, but remains a strong player who could take a step forward if Hill is shipped out in the offseason.
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Betting impact: With both Achane and Waddle expected to sit vs. the Patriots, the Dolphins’ line moved from +11.5 to +13.
Cardinals inactives: CB Max Melton, CB Kalen King, TE Rivaldo Fairweather, LB Austin Keys, OL Evan Brown, DL P.J. Mustipher, K Joshua Karty
Rams inactives: WR Davante Adams, TE Terrance Ferguson, RB Jarquez Hunter, CB Josh Wallace, CB Darious Williams, OL Kevin Dotson
Key absence: Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams wideout Davante Adams was able to return to practice in limited fashion during the week, but will receive another week of rest for his hamstring. Despite being listed as questionable for Week 18, Adams is not expected to play. He reportedly wanted to get out there, but head coach Sean McVay told him to rest up for the playoffs.
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Adams is coming off an excellent season, in which he hauled in an NFL-leading 14 touchdowns in his first year with the Rams.
Jets inactives: QB Tyrod Taylor (Emergency 3rd QB), WR Tyler Johnson, RB Breece Hall, CB Brandon Stephens, CB Qwan’tez Stiggers, DL Michael Clemons, TE Jelani Woods
Bills inactives: LB Terrel Bernard, WR Brandin Cooks, S Jordan Poyer, DE Greg Rousseau, OT Dion Dawkins, DL DaQuan Jones, DE Joey Bosa
Lions inactives: LB Alex Anzalone, OL Kayode Awosika, S Thomas Harper, WR Dominic Lovett, DL Alim McNeill, OL Penei Sewell
Bears inactives: QB Case Keenum, DB Nick McCloud, OL Ozzy Trapilo, WR Rome Odunze, LB Ruben Hyppolite II, DL Joe Tyron-Shoyinka
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Chiefs inactives: WR Xavier Worthy, RB Isiah Pacheco, CB Melvin Smith, DE George Karlaftis, DE Tyreke Smith, OG Trey Smith, DT Mike Pennel
Raiders inactives: QB Geno Smith, S Terrell Edmunds, CB Chigozie Anusiem, RB Raheem Mostert, G Dylan Parham, DT Adam Butler, DT Brodric Martin
Commanders inactives: QB Jayden Daniels, QB Marcus Mariota, QB Sam Hartman (Emergency 3rd QB), RB Chase Edmonds, OT Laremy Tunsil, DE Jalyn Holmes, DT Sheldon Day
Eagles inactives: DT Jalen Carter, LB Nakobe Dean, OG Landon Dickerson, S Marcus Epps, OT Lane Johnson, TE Dallas Goedert
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders: How to watch today’s NFL game, kickoff time, TV channel and more
The Las Vegas Raiders are in prime position to clinch this weekend, but we’re not talking about a playoff berth, we’re talking about the No. 1 overall draft pick. The 2-14 Raiders currently lead the 2026 draft order after losing to the New York Giants last week and falling to the bottom of the league, and another loss in Week 18 will confirm that they’re getting the No. 1 pick. They play the 6-10 Kansas City Chiefs in Sunday’s late afternoon window.
The Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders game will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch this and every other Week 18 game.
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How to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders:
Date: Sunday, Jan. 4
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
TV channel: CBS
Streaming: Paramount+, DirecTV, NFL+ and more
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders game time:
The Chiefs vs. Raiders game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET/1:25 p.m. PT on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders game channel:
The Week 18 game between the Chiefs and the Raiders will air on CBS. If it’s on in your area, it’ll also stream live on Paramount+. You can also tune in on mobile devices with NFL+.
How to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders game without cable:
NFL Week 18 schedule:
All times Eastern.
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Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
-
Colts vs. Texans: 1:00 p.m.(CBS)
-
Chargers vs. Broncos: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
-
Browns vs. Bengals: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
-
Packers vs. Vikings: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
-
Jets vs. Bills: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
-
Chiefs vs. Raiders: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
-
Commanders vs. Eagles: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
-
Saints vs. Falcons: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
-
Titans vs. Jaguars: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
-
Cowboys vs. Giants: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
-
Lions vs. Bears: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
-
Cardinals vs. Rams: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
-
Dolphins vs. Patriots: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
-
Ravens vs. Steelers: 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
How to watch NFL games in 2025:
Many NFL games are broadcast on local channels, so if you’re looking to catch an in-market game, it may be as simple as turning on your TV (or setting up a digital TV antenna) or finding a live TV streaming service that carries the correct RSN (Regional Sports Network). If you want to watch out-of-market games, a $7 monthly subscription to NFL+ will let you watch every out-of-market-game local and primetime game in the season on your phone — but only a select few regular season games on your TV. You could also spring for the uber-expensive NFL Sunday Ticket package to get every out-of-market Sunday game of the season.
Advertisement
When it comes to nationally broadcast games, NFL games typically air across ESPN, NBC, CBS, Fox, ABC and NFL Network. Thursday Night Football games stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, select football games will stream exclusively on Peacock, games on CBS will stream live on Paramount+, and Monday Night Football games will air on ESPN or ABC and stream on the newly revamped ESPN+ this season. That’s six channels and four streaming platforms to keep up with this season — and that’s not counting your local RSN’s for in-market games and an NFL+ or NFL Sunday Ticket subscription for out-of-market games. Plus, Netflix is once again hosting at least two Christmas Day matches, so add that subscription into the mix. And we can’t forget about Fox One, Fox’s first streaming service, a place where you can also stream games airing on FOX (if you don’t already have access to it).
Confused? You’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of the platforms we recommend checking out ahead of the 2025 NFL season, so that come game time, tuning into your favorite team’s games will be as easy as simply turning on the TV.
- Free trial available
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
- Free ESPN unlimited
- Entirely sports-focused
- Doesn’t include NBC
- You probably already have access to Prime Video
- Only Thursday Night Football games
- Can only watch MOST live games on your phone
- All ESPN content in one place
- Content from NFL Network and NFL RedZone
- Bundle option with NFL+
- Only ESPN games available with the base service
Tickets for the 2025 NFL season are on sale now.
Advertisement
Every way to watch NFL games this season:
To recap, here are all the ways you can watch NFL games in 2025.
Sunday Night Football: How to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game tonight
Week 17 was rough on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team is barely hanging on to their No. 1 position in the AFC North after their loss to the Cleveland Browns, coupled with the Baltimore Ravens’ win against the Green Bay Packers. The space between the Steelers and Ravens narrowed, and this week’s game will seal one of their postseason fates. The winner of Sunday night’s Ravens vs. Steelers game will win the AFC North and make the playoffs, while the loser’s season will be over.
Kick off for this week’s Sunday Night Football game is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock; here’s everything you need to know about this week’s game and the rest of the Week 18 schedule.
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How to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday:
Date: Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
TV channel: NBC
Streaming: DirecTV, Peacock, YouTube TV, NFL+ and more
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game time:
The Ravens vs. Steelers game kicks off at 8:20 p.m. ET/5:20 p.m. PT this Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game channel:
The Week 18 game between the Ravens and Steelers will air on NBC.
How to watch the Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers game without cable:
You can stream NBC on platforms like DirecTV and Peacock. (Note that Fubo and NBC are currently in the midst of a contract dispute and NBC channels are not currently available on the platform.) The game will also be streaming on Peacock and on NFL+, though with an NFL+ subscription, you’re limited to watching this week’s game on mobile devices.
For $17 monthly you can upgrade to an ad-free subscription which includes live access to your local NBC affiliate (not just during designated sports and events) and the ability to download select titles to watch offline.
NFL Week 18 schedule:
All times Eastern.
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Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
-
Colts vs. Texans: 1:00 p.m.(CBS)
-
Chargers vs. Broncos: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
-
Browns vs. Bengals: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
-
Packers vs. Vikings: 1:00 p.m. (CBS)
-
Jets vs. Bills: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
-
Commanders vs. Eagles: 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
-
Saints vs. Falcons: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
-
Titans vs. Jaguars: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
-
Cowboys vs. Giants: 1:00 p.m. (FOX)
-
Lions vs. Bears: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
-
Cardinals vs. Rams: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
-
Dolphins vs. Patriots: 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
-
Ravens vs. Steelers: 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
How to watch NFL games in 2025:
Many NFL games are broadcast on local channels, so if you’re looking to catch an in-market game, it may be as simple as turning on your TV (or setting up a digital TV antenna) or finding a live TV streaming service that carries the correct RSN (Regional Sports Network). If you want to watch out-of-market games, a $7 monthly subscription to NFL+ will let you watch every out-of-market local and primetime game in the season on your phone — but only a select few regular-season games on your TV. You could also spring for the uber-expensive NFL Sunday Ticket package to get every out-of-market Sunday game of the season.
Advertisement
When it comes to nationally broadcast games, NFL games typically air across ESPN, NBC, CBS, Fox, ABC and NFL Network. Thursday Night Football games stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, select football games will stream exclusively on Peacock, games on CBS will stream live on Paramount+, and Monday Night Football games will air on ESPN or ABC and stream on the newly revamped ESPN+ this season. That’s six channels and four streaming platforms to keep up with this season — and that’s not counting your local RSN’s for in-market games and an NFL+ or NFL Sunday Ticket subscription for out-of-market games. Plus, Netflix is once again hosting at least two Christmas Day matches, so add that subscription into the mix. And we can’t forget about Fox One, Fox’s first streaming service, a place where you can also stream games airing on FOX (if you don’t already have access to it).
Confused? You’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of the platforms we recommend checking out ahead of the 2025 NFL season, so that come game time, tuning into your favorite team’s games will be as easy as simply turning on the TV.
- Free trial available
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
- Free ESPN unlimited
- Entirely sports-focused
- No NBC
- You probably already have access to Prime Video
- Only Thursday Night Football games
- Can only watch MOST live games on your phone
- All ESPN content in one place
- Content from NFL Network and NFL RedZone
- Bundle option with NFL+
- Only ESPN games available with the base service
How to watch NFL games in-person:
Tickets for the 2025 NFL season are on sale now.
Advertisement
Every way to watch NFL games this season:
To recap, here are all the ways you can watch NFL games in 2025.
Browns rally for walk-off win, but enter offseason of QB uncertainty after another shaky Shedeur Sanders performance vs. Bengals
The Cleveland Browns rallied after blowing a late lead. But they didn’t find any more clarity at quarterback in their win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
On a day when Myles Garrett broke the NFL’s single-season sack record, Shedeur Sanders struggled as Cleveland’s defense set the tone in a 20-18 win. The Browns scored two first-half touchdowns on defense to take control of the game. Those were Cleveland’s only two touchdowns of the day.
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With Sanders at quarterback, the Browns mustered just 200 yards of offense and produced two field goals on the scoreboard. The second field goal was a 49-yarder from Andre Szmyt that capped a 10-play, 40-yard drive as time expired.
[Get more Browns news: Cleveland team feed]
It secured a walk-off win in the final start of Sanders’ rookie campaign. His performance left a lot to be desired. He completed 11-of-22 passes for 111 yards with no touchdowns and a lost fumble in the win. He took six sacks for 29 yards lost.
It added up to another shaky performance from Sanders that will send the Browns into another offseason of uncertainty at football’s most important position.
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Sanders’ season finale filled with miscues
Sanders lost a fumble on Cleveland’s first possession, setting the Bengals up with a short field that they converted into a touchdown and a 6-0 lead.
On Cleveland’s best chance to score an offensive touchdown, Sanders took a delay-of-game penalty on third-and-goal to back the Browns up to the 9-yard line. He then took a sack on the ensuing play, and the Browns settled for a field goal to extend their third-quarter lead to 17-12.
Then, with a chance to ice the game, Sanders took a second-down sack at Cleveland’s 12-yard line, setting up a punt that gave the Bengals the ball back with 2:41 remaining and a shot at the go-ahead score. Cincinnati responded with a 61-yard touchdown drive to take an 18-17 lead.
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The Browns answered with the go-ahead field-goal drive. But the walk-off win doesn’t overshadow a season defined by struggles on offense.
How will Browns address QB position in offseason?
Sanders entered Sunday’s game having completed 57.4% of his passes for 1,289 yards with 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, numbers that don’t inspire confidence that he’s Cleveland’s quarterback of the future. And to be fair, that was never the plan.
The Browns selected Sanders in the fifth round of April’s draft. He was the second quarterback they drafted after selecting Dillon Gabriel in the third round. Sanders entered the season as the fourth QB on the depth chart.
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He was elevated to starter after trades of Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco, and a concussion that sidelined Gabriel. Sanders played well enough in his early starts to secure the job for the remainder of a lost Browns season amid intense external pressure to start him.
There’s little to indicate from his season-long performance that the Browns will do anything but look in the offseason to add another young quarterback to their roster.
They’ll go into April’s draft with two first-round picks in what’s widely viewed as a weak quarterback class. But neither will be in the top five following Sunday’s win that improved their record to 5-12. And the quarterback-needy Raiders and Jets will select before them.
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As usual in Cleveland, there are no easy answers at quarterback.
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Kate Magdziuk
What a way to close out the game — it’s a big-man touchdown!
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Kate Magdziuk
It’s official; the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have missed the postseason for the first time since the 2019 season, closing out the year with an 8-9 record.
That’s thanks to the Carolina Panthers, who rallied to win the NFC South with some help from the Atlanta Falcons, who pulled out a 19-17 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 18 to hand them the division with tie breakers officially.
It marks the Panthers’ first division title since the 2015 season, when Cam Newton took the Panthers to the Super Bowl on the back of a 15-1 season with head coach Ron Rivera.
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Kate Magdziuk
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Kate Magdziuk
With a win from the Falcons, the Carolina Panthers will clinch the NFC South.
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Kate Magdziuk
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Criss Partee
Minnesota beats Green Bay to end the season 9-8. J.J. McCarthy passed for 182 yards before pulling himself from the game in the third quarter with a hand injury. Max Brosmer finished the gam for the Vikings and completed 7 of 8 passes for 57 yards. Running back Jordan Mason rushed for 93 yards. Justin Jefferson ends with eight receptions for 101 yards. This was just the third 100-yard game for Jefferson this season.
Green Bay was already locked into the No. 7 seed in the NFC so they essentially had very little to play for. Backup quarterback Clayton Tune got the start today and passed just 11 times, completing 6 for 34 yards. Running backs Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks combined for 105 rushing yards. No Packers receiver had more than two receptions, and Jakobie Keeney-James was the only one with two.
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Kate Magdziuk
The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially won their first AFC South title since the 2022 season — and fourth in history, with a win over the Titans in Week 18.
Trevor Lawrence continued his hot streak to end the regular season, throwing for 255 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in Sunday’s win.
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Ben Fawkes
The Jacksonville Jaguars had never finished with 12 regular-season wins against the spread … until now.
The Jaguars finish 12-4-1 ATS, their best regular season against the spread in their franchise history. Jacksonville goes into the playoffs winning (and covering) eight games in a row.
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Kate Magdziuk
The New York Giants continue putting points on the board despite the likely impact on their draft position in the year to come, as Devin Singletary runs it in for a six-yard score.
With the PAT, New York extends its lead, now up on the Cowboys 34-17 with just under six minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
With a win in Week 18, the Giants will eliminate themselves from contention for the No. 1 overall pick, and their draft position could fall further depending on the outcomes of the Jets, Cardinals, Browns, and Commanders.
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Kate Magdziuk
Welp … that just about seals the deal. With a Bhashul Tuten touchdown and a successful PAT from Cam Little, the Jaguars hold a 40-7 lead over the Titans with just over seven minutes to go.
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Criss Partee
Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce was ejected in the third quarter for making physical contact with an official following a play in the end zone. Although the contact was minor, the NFL is strict about players making contact with referees. So, Pierce is done for the day.
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Kate Magdziuk
The Giants have plenty on the line in Week 18 despite being well out of playoff contention, with the potential to drop in the draft order with a win over the Cowboys in their season finale.
The Giants hold a 24-17 lead to start the fourth quarter.
The Cowboys have pulled their starters, including quarterback Dak Prescott and star wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
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Kate Magdziuk
Garrett has been in striking distance of the record since hitting 22.0 sacks back in Week 15’s loss to the Buffalo Bills.
In Week 18, he broke it with a sack against Joe Burrow for a six-yard loss for a total of 23.0 on the year.
The previous NFL sack record (22.5) was officially set by Michael Strahan in the final game of the 2001 season against Brett Favre. Steelers OLB T.J. Watt tied the record in the 2021 season.
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Kate Magdziuk
Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett remains on the cusp of breaking the NFL sack record, but he’s running out of time.
With just over 10 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Garrett has yet to notch a sack or tackle, with just a single pressure on the day per NFL Next Gen Stats.
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Criss Partee
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy took himself out of the game due to injuring his right hand. He’d already been dealing with a hand injury in recent weeks. Max Brosmer replaces McCarthy under center. He’s
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Criss Partee
Houston comes out of halftime, and Davis Mills is the quarterback, as it would seem C.J. Stroud’s day is done with the team already having a playoff berth clinched. With Jacksonville blowing out Tennessee, winning the AFC South looks to be out of reach for the Texans, so head coach DeMeco Ryans has opted to begin resting starters.
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Kate Magdziuk
There’s some drama afoot in New York, as rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart found RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the end zone for his second passing touchdown of the day.
After the play, things got chippy as a fight broke out between the two teams, and flags went flying. Cowboys DT Quinnen Williams and rookie DE Donovan Ezeiruaku both received unnecessary roughness penalties.
Ezeiruaku was ejected after the play, having yanked off the helmet of a Giants player.
After that was sorted out, the Giants opted to go for two on the play, and running back Devin Singletary found receiver Darius Slayton in the end zone for a 2-point conversion. The Giants take a 24-10 lead.
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Criss Partee
It’s the Riley Leonard show in Houston today as the rookie quarterback has scored three touchdowns on the No. 2 defense in the league. Two through the air, and now one on the ground that was set up by another deep connection with Alec Pierce. Pierce has four receptions for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Colts have reclaimed the lead 24-23 in the third quarter.
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Kate Magdziuk
It appears that Dak Prescott’s season is over, with Joe Milton III officially in at quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys to start the second half.
Prescott went 7-of-11 passing for 70 yards, 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in the first half, closing out his season with 4,452 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. It marks his fourth career season with 30-plus passing touchdowns.
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Criss Partee
Houston and Indianapolis are in a battle with the Texans leading 23-17 at halftime. In his first start, Riley Leonard has not flinched against the No. 1 defense in the NFL, completing 8 of 13 passes for 133 yards and 2 touchdowns in the first half. The Colts have kept him protected with just one sack given up so far. Alec Pierce was the recipient of both Leonard’s touchdown passes and also had three receptions total for 79 yards. Running back Jonathan Taylor had seven carries for 10 yards.
The Texans take a lead into halftime behind C.J. Stroud, who completed 14 of 23 passes for 169 yards, 1 passing, and 1 rushing touchdown. Woody Marks had 48 yards on the ground. Dalton Schultz and Xavier Hutchinson had four catches apiece in the first half, and Schultz leads the team with 73 receiving yards. Jayden Higgins caught two balls for 23 yards and a touchdown. Houston’s defense also forced a Leonard fumble in the first half.
Cowboys DE Donovan Ezeiruaku ejected from loss to Giants early after ripping Greg Van Roten’s helmet off
Dallas defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku was ejected from the Cowboys’ 34-17 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon after he got into an altercation in the second half and ripped a Giants player’s helmet off his head.
Things erupted early in the third quarter after Jaxson Dart hit Tyrone Tracy in the back of the end zone at MetLife Stadium for a 13-yard touchdown, which extended the Giants’ lead in the regular-season finale.
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[Get more Cowboys news: Dallas team feed]
It’s unclear exactly what started the altercation, but Ezeiruaku and Giants guard Greg Van Roten were at the center of it. Ezeiruaku held onto Van Roten’s facemask as others ran into the pile and eventually ripped it off his head, which led to more flags being thrown.
Ezeiruaku was ejected from the contest after that, and Cowboys defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was hit with an unnecessary roughness penalty for his role. It looked like Van Roten was grabbing Sam Williams’ facemask early on, too, but he was not penalized.
Once things settled down, the Giants went for a 2-point conversion and succeeded after running back Devin Singletary found Darius Slayton for a short completion. That put the Giants up 24-10.
Donovan Ezeiruaku got into it with Giants offensive lineman Greg Van Roten on Sunday afternoon. (Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters)
Ezeiruaku had one tackle in Sunday’s game before he was ejected. He finished his rookie season with 40 total tackles and two sacks. The Cowboys selected the 22-year-old in the second round of the draft last spring out of Boston College.
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Both the Cowboys and the Giants entered Sunday’s game, the final one of the regular season, having already been eliminated from playoff contention. The Giants had an outside shot at securing the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft but their 17-point win over the Cowboys handed that to the Las Vegas Raiders instead.
The Giants ended the season 4-13 and the Cowboys fell to 7-9-1, which marked their fourth defeat in their final five games of the season.
Browns defense flagged on 2 straight defensive touchdowns for doing Marshawn Lynch crotch-grab celebration
The Cleveland Browns’ defense had little to play for in Week 18, so the team decided to just have fun out there. That approach worked early on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, though it came with a cost.
With time running down in the first quarter, Browns linebacker Devin Bush intercepted a Joe Burrow pass deep in Browns territory. While it looked like Bush would run out of gas on the return, he got a key block from Myles Garrett deep down the field, eventually making it all the way to the end zone for a 97-yard score.
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When Bush got there, he turned around to face the pursuing Bengals and did the Marshawn Lynch crotch-grab celebration. You know, the one Lynch did after his iconic “Beast Quake” run.
The officials didn’t miss a beat, and immediately threw a penalty flag.
Browns linebacker Devin Bush celebrates his pick 6 of the Bengals, a gesture that drew a flag. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The touchdown stood, but the team was penalized for the crotch-grab celebration.
If you thought that was going to deter the Browns’ defense moving forward … you were wrong.
On the next drive, Cleveland forced a fumble in Bengals territory. Browns cornerback Sam Webb scooped up the ball and ran it all the way back to the end zone for another Cleveland defensive score.
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As Webb crossed the goal line, he also turned around and did the Lynch celebration, immediately drawing another flag.
The Browns were again penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. It was the second straight drive they were flagged with that penalty after that specific celebration.
[Get more Browns news: Cleveland team feed]
While the Browns getting flagged on both plays should not come as a surprise, the fact that the team immediately performed the celebration a second time should draw questions. The defense clearly wasn’t deterred by the first flag, and didn’t seem to care about picking up another penalty.
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In the Browns’ defense, neither penalty played a major role in the game. Those defensive scores were the only TDs Cleveland got in the victory.
The Bengals turned the ball over after the first penalty and were forced to punt on the team’s next offensive drive after the second penalty.
Aside from Myles Garrett’s sack record chase, which he achieved, the Browns didn’t have much to play for after coming into Week 18 sitting at 4-12. Does it really matter if they get penalized for excessive celebrations after scoring twice on Burrow and the Bengals?
Of course, it also helped that Cleveland went on to win the contest 20-18. While the Browns face a lot of questions this offseason, the team’s defense should return as its biggest strength in 2026.
NFL Winners and Losers, early Sunday games: Liam Coen’s Jaguars win AFC South and could make a playoff run
Many teams have to make a decision about their head coach as the season closes. And all of them have to at least consider the Jacksonville Jaguars’ success story.
One coaching hire can flip a franchise’s fortunes, and the Jaguars seem to have found a good one. Liam Coen’s first regular season as an NFL head coach ended with a division championship. The Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans 41-7 on Sunday to improve to 13-4 and win the AFC South. Coen should be considered on a short list of candidates for NFL Coach of the Year after the job he did this season.
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Jacksonville isn’t a marquee franchise, so the mess Coen stepped into might be understated. The Jaguars had double-digits in wins just once since 2007 and had just two playoff berths since then. Shad Khan has been one of the NFL’s worst team owners. He hired Urban Meyer, after all. But the Jaguars, who had a messy coaching search with Coen secretly meeting with Jacksonville after he had agreed to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their offensive coordinator, found the right formula.
[Get more Jaguars news: Jacksonville team feed]
It wasn’t pretty early. It seemed Coen was pushing Trevor Lawrence hard, which led to some awkward moments. Eventually it paid off, with Lawrence having one of the best sustained stretches of his career. He played well again Sunday, throwing three touchdowns in the first half to get Jacksonville going. He has turned it around without Travis Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft who suffered a season-ending knee injury. Coen’s play-calling has helped transform the Jaguars’ offense. Lawrence accounted for 38 touchdowns this season and looked like a different quarterback in the second half of the season.
Sunday’s game didn’t start well for the Jaguars. They lost 18 yards on their first possession and punted. Cam Ward then drove the Titans downfield and he scored on a 7-yard run. Ward was hit at the end of that run and hurt his shoulder, and without much to play for the Titans weren’t going to leave the first overall pick of the 2025 draft out there to risk further injury.
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After that the Jaguars took over. Lawrence threw a couple touchdowns. Jacksonville’s defense, which has been great at creating turnovers, had a pick 6 of Titans replacement QB Brandon Allen. That made the score 21-7 and it was just a matter of time before the Jaguars had their division-clinching win.
A division title isn’t the Jaguars’ ceiling this season either. They won 34-20 at the Denver Broncos, who entered Week 18 as the AFC’s No. 1 seed, in Week 16. Jacksonville finished the season with eight straight wins and should feel it can beat anyone in a wide-open AFC.
Nobody thought of the Jaguars as Super Bowl contenders before the season. One home run coaching hire changed everything. Other teams missing the playoffs this season will take note.
Here are the rest of the winners and losers from the early games of the Week 18 schedule:
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WINNERS
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers didn’t really deserve the NFC South championship after losing in Week 18 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Atlanta Falcons made sure they could back into it.
The Falcons got a blocked punt early and a big interception in the fourth quarter to fuel a 19-17 win over the New Orleans Saints that gave the Panthers the NFC South title. The Saints scored late but couldn’t secure an onside kick, leading to a celebration in Carolina.
It was a weird game, with each team playing on behalf of a division rival. If the Falcons won, the Panthers were division champs. If the Saints won (or there was a tie), Tampa Bay took the NFC South. But for a division that produced the fifth losing team to make the NFL playoffs, it was fitting that there was a goofy ending to the race.
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The Falcons played well late in the season to rally for an 8-9 record. But the question will be why it took them so long to play their best, and why it happened after they were out of the playoff race. They could compete for a division title next season, after they gifted the Panthers this season’s crown.
Houston Texans: The Texans didn’t seem to care about getting the No. 5 seed in the AFC, which seemed strange, but they got it anyway.
The Texans got a 38-30 win over the Indianapolis Colts on a field goal in the final seconds and then a defensive touchdown on a pitch play with time expired in a game that Houston played in a surprisingly passive manner.
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The Texans needed a Jaguars loss to win the AFC South, and even though that was unlikely, getting a win to seal the No. 5 seed in the AFC and a wild-card matchup against the AFC North champion seemed worth chasing. The Texans did not agree, and didn’t go all out to win. Nico Collins was inactive due to rest. Quarterback C.J. Stroud was removed for Davis Mills in the second half. The Texans’ defense, the No. 1 unit in the NFL, was strangely flat against the Colts and their rookie quarterback Riley Leonard.
But Mills saved it. He directed a late drive after the Colts took a lead, and Ka’imi Fairbairn hit a field goal in the final seconds to secure a win, the No. 5 seed and a trip to either Pittsburgh or Baltimore next weekend. Even though Houston seemed unconcerned about its matchup, getting the weakest of the four AFC division winners seems worthwhile.
Myles Garrett: It took until the final minutes of the season, but Myles Garrett finally got the sack he needed to set the NFL’s single-season record.
Garrett got around left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and he got to Joe Burrow for the sack as Burrow stepped up in the pocket. That was Garrett’s 23rd of the season, pushing him ahead of Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt for the record.
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Garrett is a deserving holder of one of the NFL’s most coveted records, especially for the monster season he has had.
The Browns also won the game, which has been rare for the team despite Garrett’s heroics. Cleveland got two touchdowns from its defense, and while the Shedeur Sanders-led offense didn’t score any touchdowns, the Browns got a drive late in the game to set up a game-winning field goal as time expired. That came after a touchdown by Ja’Marr Chase to give the Bengals a late lead. Cleveland beat the Bengals 20-18 to head into the offseason with a win, and to allow Garrett to properly celebrate his new record.
LOSERS
Matt Eberflus: The Dallas Cowboys’ season is thankfully over. For Eberflus, Dallas’ defensive coordinator, it might be the end of his time with the Cowboys altogether.
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Eberflus was not given a great situation, with Micah Parsons being traded right before the season. But Eberflus didn’t do much to elevate his unit. The final game of the season was more of the same in a 34-17 loss to a New York Giants team that was alive for the first pick of the draft (which goes to the Las Vegas Raiders with the Giants’ win). Jaxson Dart had a strong finish to his rookie season, with 231 yards passing and two touchdowns, with 32 yards rushing. New York had 380 yards of offense despite having multiple players out with injury.
If Eberflus is fired, Cowboys fans won’t remember his one season running the defense fondly. The only good news for the Cowboys, a mediocre team that finishes the season 7-9-1, is that a new coordinator probably won’t be much worse.
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Clayton Tune: Week 18 can be a time for backup players to audition for other teams and put something good on tape for the offseason. Tune had that chance, in a very difficult situation Sunday, and it didn’t turn out well.
Tune, starting at quarterback for a Green Bay Packers team that rested starters, got swarmed by the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers had 12 yards of offense at halftime. They finished with -7 net passing yards. Tune was 6-of-11 passing for 34 yards, taking four sacks for a loss of 41 yards, and the Vikings won 16-3.
Green Bay didn’t care much about the outcome and it showed. The Packers were locked into the No. 7 seed and wanted to rest starting quarterback Jordan Love and backup Malik Willis. The Vikings played well late in the season and finished 9-8 with the win. The only bad news was after J.J. McCarthy had a solid first half with 174 yards, the oft-injured quarterback left Sunday’s game with a hand injury, leaving Max Brosmer to fill in.
The Packers will move on quickly from the Vikings loss and focus on the playoffs. Tune will hope that somehow his number gets called again in the NFL, and with better results.
Philip Rivers expected to be a head-coaching candidate, could interview with teams after dramatic NFL return
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers’ dramatic return to the NFL might not be temporary after all. While the 44-year-old is retiring from the game as a player … again … he could remain in the league as a head coach.
Following Rivers’ return to the league, the veteran has reportedly received head-coaching interest around the NFL, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Teams have reportedly done research into Rivers and started making calls about him as a coach, per Rapoport. It’s reached a point where Rivers could get at least one interview from a team this offseason.
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Entering Week 18, two teams — the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans — have openings at head coach. That figure is expected to grow following Sunday’s games. Some coaches could be dismissed before the day is done, while others will be let go Monday.
Rivers’ résumé as a player is impressive. During his first stint in the NFL, Rivers passed for 63,440 yards and 421 touchdowns. Those figures rank eighth and sixth, respectively, in NFL history.
After five years off, enough time to make Rivers a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he shockingly returned to the NFL after Colts quarterback Daniel Jones went down with a season-ending injury.
Considering the circumstances, Rivers played surprisingly well down the stretch, completing 63% of his passes, with four touchdowns against three interceptions in three games. With the Colts eliminated from postseason contention, Rivers was benched in favor of rookie Riley Leonard in Week 18.
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Leonard had an encouraging first start, combining for three touchdowns, but couldn’t lead the Colts to a win over the Houston Texans in Week 18. Indianapolis fell 38-30 despite the mostly strong performance from Leonard.
Following that announcement, Rivers made it clear his playing days are over. He implied he would go back to coaching high school football in Alabama. Shortly after his first retirement from the NFL, Rivers began coaching high school football.
But with Rivers returning to the NFL, there’s some thought that maybe he would consider remaining in the league as a head coach, per Rapoport. That’s been a barrier in the past, as teams reportedly considered Rivers last offseason, but were told he wasn’t considering making the jump to college or the pros.
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When Rivers announced his return to the NFL after five years away, he instantly became one of the biggest stories of the 2025 NFL season. If that short stint as the Colts’ quarterback leads to a head coaching position next season, it would be a fitting way for Rivers’ improbable comeback to continue.