Wacky Week 18: Who's Motivated?

Dec 30, 2025

With so many injuries and teams resting players for the real NFL playoffs, Week 18 is not ideal for fantasy football, which is why most leagues hold their Championship Game in Week 17. However, we recognize that some of you are still battling, and this is the most crucial week of the season for those who are.

At 4for4, we will continue through the Super Bowl with our weekly rankings and projections, and if you aren't playing this week or want more action, we encourage you to check out the DFS and Betting sections of the site, where there will be fresh content until the bitter end of the NFL season.

This weekend, some teams will be highly motivated to perform, while others are already mentally preparing for golf. Four teams compete on Saturday, with the remaining 26 playing Sunday afternoon at either 1:00 PM or 4:25 PM ET, plus one Sunday night monster battle between the Ravens and the Steelers.

What we already know (AFC): Two of the three division titles have been decided, with Denver and New England coming out on top. The winner of the Sunday night tilt between Pittsburgh and Baltimore will claim the AFC South crown and the No. 4 seed. The Jaguars can win the South with a win this week, but if they lose and the Texans win, Houston gets the title. If both teams lose, the division goes to the Jags.

The top spot in the AFC has the following possibilities:

Broncos win: No. 1 seed
Broncos lose, Patriots win: Patriots No. 1 seed
Broncos lose, Patriots lose, Jaguars win: Jaguars No. 1 seed
Broncos lose, Patriots lose, Jaguars lose: Broncos No. 1 seed

What we already know (NFC): Two NFC divisions have been decided, with the Eagles and Bears sitting as title winners. The NFC West and the No. 1 seed will come down to a massive Saturday showdown between the Seahawks and 49ers. The victor gets the top spot, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, while the loser will be the fifth (SEA) or sixth seed, depending on other outcomes. The final NFC division title is between the Panthers and Buccaneers. Carolina can claim the South and the No. 4 seed with a victory over Tampa Bay or with a loss and a Falcons win. If the Bucs win and Atlanta loses, then the division and fourth seed is theirs.

So, who’s motivated?

Highly Motivated

Denver Broncos (1/4 - 4:25 PM ET vs. Chargers)

They get the top seed, which comes with a bye and home-field advantage with a win or if they lose, along with the Patriots and Jaguars. The Jags play in the early slot while New England will be battling at the same time. Expect all healthy starters out there.

Seattle Seahawks (1/3 - 8:00 M ET)

There is some serious motivation here as Seattle can earn the NFC West title and the No. 1 seed in the conference, along with perks that come with it if they beat the 49ers on Saturday night. A loss slides them to the No. 5 spot.

New England Patriots (1/4 - 4:45 PM vs. Dolphins)

With their first AFC East title since 2019, the Pats are the current No. 2 seed but could earn the top spot with a win and a Denver loss. They’ll be on the field simultaneously with the Broncos, so they should be at full strength.

Jacksonville Jaguars (1/4 - 1:00 PM vs. Titans)

With a chance to win the AFC South for the first time since the 2022 season with a win over the Titans, Jacksonville has plenty to play for. They will also secure that crown if Houston loses and they are also defeated, but both teams will be battling at the same time. As I mentioned above, if the Jags win and both Denver and New England lose, they earn the top spot in the AFC.

Pittsburgh Steelers (1/4 - 8:20 PM ET vs. Ravens)

If the Steelers win, they get the AFC North title and the No. 4 seed. A loss earns them a ticket home.

Carolina Panthers (1/3 - 4:30 PM ET @ Buccaneers)

With a victory over Tampa Bay, the Panthers win the South as the No. 4 seed with no help needed from Atlanta. They are the first game of the Week 18 slate, so they will want to take care of business.

Houston Texans (1/4 - 1:00 PM vs. Colts)

Currently the No. 5 seed in the AFC after eight straight wins, the Texans can end up anywhere from the No. 3 spot to the fifth, sixth, or seventh. It’s been established that all their starters will be out there.

San Francisco 49ers (1/3 - 8:00 PM vs. Seahawks)

If the Niners win on Saturday night, they get the No. 1 seed in the NFC, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with an extra bonus of playing on their home turf for the Super Bowl if they were to get there. If San Francisco loses, they will either be the No. 5 or the No. 6 seed, depending on the Rams outcome against the Cardinals. Expect all systems go for the 49ers the third.

Baltimore Ravens (1/4 - 8:20 PM ET @ Steelers)

A victory in Pittsburgh wins the AFC North and the fourth seed. A loss means no football until the 2026 season for the Ravens.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1/3 - 4:40 PM ET vs. Panthers)

There is only one scenario in which Tampa Bay gets a playoff berth, and they have to beat Carolina on Saturday in order to punch their ticket. After that, it’s up to the Saints to beat the Falcons. All hands will be on deck for the first game of the week.

Los Angeles Rams (1/4 - 4:25 PM ET vs. Cardinals)

They currently boast the sixth seed in the NFC and can move one spot to fifth with a win and a 49ers loss. They get a highly motivated tag since HC Sean McVay has already come out and said, “Oh, we’re playing. They’re playing”. Start your Rams with some confidence this week.

Somewhat Motivated

Chicago Bears (1/4 - 4:25 PM ET vs. Lions)

They took the NFC North for the first time since 2018, and the Bears currently sit second in the conference. If they win they stay there, but if they fall to the Lions and the Eagles beat Washington, Chicago slides to the No.3 spot. While the motivation isn’t as strong as many teams, HC Ben Johnson has already stated, “We’re playing to win this week.”

Los Angeles Chargers (1/4 - 4:25 PM ET @ Broncos)

The Chargers already have their ticket to the big dance as a wild card, but could end up as the fifth, sixth, or seventh seed. LA could move up to No. 5 with a win and a Houston loss. They’ll be at least the No. 6 seed if they win in Denver. However, if the Chargers lose and the Bills win against the Jets, then the Bolts will be the No. 7 seed.

The Texans play in the earlier timeslot on Sunday, while the Chargers and Bills play in the afternoon slate.

Buffalo Bills (1/4 - 4:25 PM ET vs. Jets)

A sixth-straight AFC East title is not a possibility, but the Bills have a chance to move up to the fifth or sixth seed with a win over the Jets and some help from the Titans, Colts, and/or Broncos. Josh Allen’s health is their assumed top priority, so he and other starters may rest this week.

Not Motivated and Probably Resting

Philadelphia Eagles (1/4 - 2:25 PM ET vs. Commanders)

The Eagles are a tweener between somewhat motivated and not as they can move from No. 3 to No. 2 with a win and a Bears loss, and of course, both games will be played at the same time. There are reports of some starters probably resting, as Philly believes they can still beat Washington at a lower strength. I would not count on their fantasy pieces this week.

Green Bay Packers (1/4 - 1:00 PM ET @ Vikings)

The Packers are locked into the No. 7 seed in the NFC and are battling injuries on both sides of the ball. It would be surprising to see most of their starters lining up on Sunday, but stranger things have happened.