NFL 2023 Week 18 Motivation Tracker

NFL: Miami Dolphins at Baltimore Ravens

With the football season nearly over, plenty of teams have nothing to play for either by virtue of being eliminated from the playoff hunt or because their postseason bid has already been punched. I will update this article throughout the week with quotes from coaches and reporters.
Cleveland @ Cincinnati

The Browns are locked into the No. 5 seed. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has already re-exported that they could rest their starters. I expect them to do so.

The Bengals have been eliminated from playoff contention. Banged-up players like Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase may get the day off.

Minnesota @ Detroit

The Lions can get the No. 2 seed with a win and losses by the Eagles and Cowboys. Those teams play the Giants and Commanders meaning the Lions are practically stuck at the No. 3 seed.

The Vikings can still make the playoffs with a win and a lot of help. I won’t dive into all possible outcomes, but the good news is that the NFL scheduled this game in the early window, so Minnesota won’t know if they have gotten the help they need yet when their game starts.

Chicago @ Green Bay

The Bears were eliminated from the playoff hunt when Green Bay and Minnesota didn’t tie on Sunday night.

The Packers control their own destiny. A win and they’re in the playoffs.

Jacksonville @ Tennessee

The Jags win the AFC South crown with a victory. They can get in with a loss and some help but will be giving it everything they have to avoid that scenario and get a home game for the opening round of the playoffs.

The Titans have been eliminated from playoff contention. Will Levis was banged up in Week 17, leaving with a foot injury. He did not return. Ryan Tannehill also appeared to suffer an injury late in the game though he didn’t miss any snaps. Malik Willis could draw the start in a meaningless game.

Houston @ Indianapolis

Both teams make the playoffs with a win and are eliminated via a loss. If the Jaguars lose, the winner of the game gets the…

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