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The winners and losers in NFL Week 18
The NFL regular season is history. One team in particular is already playing hotly for the playoffs. We look at the winners and losers of NFL Week 18.
Gewinner: Sam Darnold (QB, Seattle Seahawks)
The quarterback repeatedly took a lot of risks with deep passes over the course of the season. In the “final” against the Niners, Darnold impressed as game manager. He remained error-free and left the game to other protagonists.
Winner: Seahawks run game
This duel against the 49ers was decided on the line and on the floor. The Seahawks ran for almost 200 yards and not only had strong blocking, but also strong individual runs from Walker and Charbonnet, each of whom did a lot of damage after first contact. The duo paved the way for the NFC’s first seed.
Loser: 49ers offensive line
Meanwhile, the Niners’ weakened O-line (Trent Williams was out injured) had a lot of trouble against the Seahawks’ strong front. Purdy was often under pressure and the home team’s run game basically didn’t work at all. The 49ers’ offensive game was nipped in the bud.
Winner: Seahawks defense
The Seahawks’ defense had it a little easier due to the 49ers’ weakness, but the Seahawks’ defensive line was extremely dominant anyway. Even without blitzes, they were able to put Purdy under pressure again and again and were also convincing in coverage. Added to this is the strong rushing defense.
Winner: Carolina Panthers
It’s only been since Sunday that we’ve known that the Carolina Panthers are the big winners of game day. Thank the Atlanta Falcons. With the Falcons’ win, the Panthers slide back into first place in the NFC South and win their division for the first time since 2015.
Loser: The Panthers’ run game
In terms of sport, however, Carolina’s appearance at the Buccaneers caused more concern than joy. The run game in particular was completely devastating and, with only 19 (!) rushing yards, virtually non-existent. This will end quickly in the playoffs.
Winner: Lavonte David (LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Inverted world at Lavonte David. The Bucs linebacker had a really strong game and at least had reason to celebrate on Saturday. The linebacker could possibly say goodbye with a good performance, as the Bucs’ exit is known to have ended the season. And finally, there are persistent rumors that David’s career will end.
Gewinner: Trevor Lawrence (QB, Jacksonville Jaguars)
The Jacksonville Jaguars win the AFC South! And not only that, they continue their winning streak (eight wins in a row) and go into the playoffs with a big chest. This is also due to the strong performance of Trevor Lawrence, who played well again against the Titans (3 TDs, 255 passing yards).
Gewinner: Myles Garrett (Edge, Cleveland Browns)
The Cleveland Browns lost their game against the Bengals, but it didn’t really matter. With five minutes to go, Myles Garrett picked up his 23rd sack of the season and entered the NFL history books!
Gewinner: Alec Pierce (WR, Indianapolis Colts)
There wasn’t much at stake for the Colts in the last game. Wide receiver Alec Pierce still used the stage to do a lot of self-promotion. In the end there were 132 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Fittingly, Pierce is entering the final year of his contract in 2026 and may have made a case for a long-term deal with this game.
Verlierer: jj MAKCARTHYY (QB, Minnesota Vikings)
Even in the last game, JJ McCarthy couldn’t turn things around. The playmaker had big problems again and, to make matters worse, was injured again. This will be an exciting offseason for him and the Vikings…
Loser: Clayton Tune (QB, Green Bay Packers)
It wasn’t the QBs’ game in Minnesota. The Packers sent their third QB into the running and Tune showed why he’s usually not in the game. Only 34 passing yards speak for themselves.
Winner: Keenan Allen (WR, Los Angeles Chargers)
The Los Angeles Chargers rested some players for the playoffs in the game against the Broncos. But not Keenan Allen and for good reason. Finally, the wide receiver was able to cash in big. Nine receiving yards (for 750 receiving yards on the season) and six catches (for 80 receptions) were enough for a total of 1,000,000. Dollars in bonuses!
Winner: Rhamondre Stevenson (RB, New England Patriots)
The Patriots lacked shooting help for the first seed, but they were able to secure second place in the AFC with a win against the Dolphins. The main person responsible for this was Rhamdondre Stevenson with 153 scrimmage yards and three total touchdowns.
Loser: Travis Kelce (TE, Kansas City Chiefs)
Was it the last game of Travis Kelce’s career? If so, it couldn’t have been worse. The Chiefs blew a horrible game against the worst team in the league, the Las Vegas Raiders. Kelce himself contributed 10 yards to this fiasco and may have completed an undignified end to his career.
Gewinner: Mitchell Trubisky (QB, Buffalo Bills)
Sure, the only opponent was the Jets, but Trubisky represented Josh Allen brilliantly! He had 259 passing yards and four touchdowns. In doing so, he led the Bills to a confident success and to the number six seed in the AFC.
Loser/Winner: Caleb Williams (QB, Chicago Bears)
You can look at Caleb Williams’ performance either way. He broke the Bears’ franchise record with 3,942 passing yards, but missed the magical 4,000-yard mark by 48 yards. In addition, Williams played through and in a game in which the only question was the place in the playoffs. And because the Eagles lost in the parallel game, the risk was ultimately unnecessary.
Winner: Aaron Rodgers (QB, Steelers)
It wasn’t always good, it wasn’t always solid, but when it counted, Rodgers was there and always found the open receivers. The highlight was the touchdown pass to Austin to make the preliminary decision. It remains to be seen whether he will return next season, but next Monday he will play a wild card game in front of his home crowd!
Loser: John Harbaugh (HC, Ravens)
Was that it for Harbaugh? He traveled to Pittsburgh with the Ravens as the favorite, but his defense ultimately failed, the pass rush was non-existent and in the end there was bad luck. Now a coaching change could be on the cards after many missed opportunities.
