The final week of the NFL regular season is upon us, and both Fox and CBS are rolling out a major schedule shake-up to ensure fans get the most thrilling action possible. With the stakes higher than ever, these networks will showcase 13 games across two time slots on Sunday, January 5.
In a rare twist, both networks will feature double-headers during Week 18, a departure from their typical alternating schedule. This means that fans can enjoy games at 1 pm ET and 4:25 pm ET on both Fox and CBS, making for an action-packed Sunday filled with playoff implications.
Key Matchups to Watch
At 1 pm ET, the spotlight will be on the NFC South showdown between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa Bay currently holds a one-game lead and can clinch the title with a win against the New Orleans Saints. This match will be called by the dynamic duo of Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt on Fox.
Simultaneously, CBS will feature the Atlanta Falcons facing off against the Carolina Panthers. Atlanta needs a win and a Tampa Bay loss to secure the NFC South crown. This thrilling matchup is just one of many that will kick off the day.
The remaining six games in the 1 pm ET window include some of the league’s biggest names, although they may not have direct playoff implications. The Washington Commanders, already assured of a playoff spot, will travel to face the Dallas Cowboys. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers will host their historic rivals, the Chicago Bears, and the Buffalo Bills will take on the New England Patriots. Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles, who have secured the NFC’s No. 2 seed, will clash with the New York Giants.
A Look at the Late Afternoon Action
As the afternoon progresses, five more games will kick off at 4:25 pm ET. CBS will air the highly anticipated matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos. With Kansas City already locked in as the No. 1 seed in the AFC, there’s speculation that they might rest key players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Denver, on the other hand, may need a victory to secure their playoff spot, depending on the outcome of the Cincinnati Bengals game on Saturday.
In addition to the Chiefs-Broncos showdown, CBS will also feature the Los Angeles Chargers visiting the Las Vegas Raiders. Fox will present a critical NFC West clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks, along with the Miami Dolphins at the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers against the Arizona Cardinals.
Week 18 Schedule Changes
The NFL has officially announced the complete schedule for Week 18, and it promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the regular season. The weekend kicks off with a Saturday double-header on ESPN and ABC. First, the Baltimore Ravens will take on the Cleveland Browns at 4:30 pm ET, followed by the Cincinnati Bengals visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8 pm ET. Both games are crucial, with the Ravens vying for the AFC North title and the Bengals needing a win to keep their wild card hopes alive.
The Sunday Night Football matchup will be equally electrifying, as the Detroit Lions face the Minnesota Vikings at 8:20 pm ET. The winner of this contest will not only be crowned NFC North champions but will also secure the No. 1 seed for the playoffs. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the loser will be relegated to a wild card position.
What’s at Stake?
As we head into this final week, the playoff picture is becoming clearer, but there are still plenty of questions to be answered. Which teams will secure their spots? Who will rest their stars, and how will that impact the games? The excitement is palpable, and fans are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable Sunday.
In summary, Week 18 is set to deliver a feast of football, with both Fox and CBS stepping up to provide fans with a thrilling array of matchups. With division titles and playoff berths on the line, every game matters. So grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready for a day filled with heart-pounding action and unforgettable moments. The NFL regular season is closing out with a bang, and you won’t want to miss a second of it!
