The final week of the NFL’s regular season is here. While a number of teams have clinched playoff spots, there is still a lot left to be decided. And it will come down to a few key matchups in Week 18 to do just that. We’re done with Thursday and Monday football, but we have a pair of Saturday games and 14 games on Sunday. Below are the five that I’m most intrigued to see.

Saturday Games:

Houston Texans (9-7) at Indianapolis Colts (9-7)
About: This one is pretty simple—win and you get in. Whoever wins this game will be 10-7 and will have clinched a playoff berth. In fact, they might win the AFC South, though they’ll have to wait until Sunday to determine that. So, we have the upstart Texans and the upstart Colts, and one of them will punch their post-season ticket. It’s also a last chance for C.J. Stroud to state his case for Rookie of the Year. I’m excited to see how it goes.

Early Games:

Atlanta Falcons (7-9) at New Orleans Saints (8-8)
About: This is a huge matchup in the NFC South. It has major implications for the division and even the Wild Card race. Either team could win the division—and a home playoff game—with a win. But it’s also possible both teams are out of the playoffs regardless of outcome. That’s the stakes in a game where neither team controls their destiny. The Falcons have a tenuous shot at the playoffs, which is probably the only thing that can save Arthur Smith’s job. The Saints, meanwhile, got a crucial Week 17 win to keep hope alive. A win gives them a shot at the playoffs. Can Derek Carr get it done? We’ll find out on Sunday.

Late Games:

Chicago Bears (7-9) at Green Bay Packers (8-8)
About: The Bears can’t make the post-season, but they can play spoiler. And either way, the Bears will have the No. 1 overall pick. Justin Fields is making his case to be the quarterback in 2024 and win over the Packers in Green Bay would make a heck of a statement. The Packers, meanwhile, control their own fate. A win and they’re in the playoffs, without Aaron Rodgers, and after enduring a roller coaster season. Can the Packers get a win at home and make the playoffs? It didn’t happen in 2022, can they change things in 2023?

Dallas Cowboys (11-5) at Washington Commanders (4-12)
About: The Cowboys haven’t been great on the road, but they have been great against teams with a losing record. Now, after a late season collapse by the Eagles, the Cowboys need just a simple win over the Commanders to win the NFC East and the No. 2 seed. The Commanders, meanwhile, will be playing to show they can be part of what will almost certainly be a re-build in 2024. A win, or at least a strong showing against the Cowboys would go a long way. This has plenty of intrigue.

Sunday Night:

Buffalo Bills (10-6) at Miami Dolphins (11-5)
About: It all comes down to this. Win, and you get the AFC East and the No. 2 seed. Lose, and it’s a road game in the playoffs or worse. By the time this game kicks off, the Bills will know if a loss means a low playoff seed or being at home in January. The Dolphins are in the post-season, but they could be the No. 2 seed or the No. 6 seed, on the road in Kansas City. That’s a big swing. This battle of division rivals will be the final game of the regular season and it has plenty of big stakes.

And now, for my Week 18 picks!

NFL Picks, Week 18:

Steelers Over Ravens
Texans Over Colts
Browns Over Bengals
Lions Over Vikings
Jaguars Over Titans
Patriots Over Jets
Saints Over Falcons
Buccaneers Over Panthers
Bears Over Packers
Raiders Over Broncos
Eagles Over Giants
Cardinals Over Seahawks
Chiefs Over Chargers
49ers Over Rams
Cowboys Over Commanders
Bills Over Dolphins

Last Week: 11-6
Season: 164-92

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.