Draft Position Update
Following the Atlanta Falcons’ win on Monday night, the New York Jets have officially been eliminated from contention for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Per reports, that top selection will now go to either the Las Vegas Raiders or the New York Giants, with the Raiders maintaining a strong inside track. This development adds pressure to Week 18 outcomes, as the draft order implications may shape coaching decisions and offseason strategies.
Quarterback and Starting Lineup Decisions
Justin Herbert will not play in Week 18, as confirmed by Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers, no longer in playoff contention, will keep their star quarterback sidelined to end the season, prioritizing his long-term health.
Meanwhile, Sean McVay stated that the Los Angeles Rams starters will play in Week 18 despite already securing playoff positioning. McVay said, “We need to play better,” citing a need to regain momentum heading into the postseason. The Rams have the opportunity to finish 13-4, yet still land third in the NFC West if the 49ers also win their finale—highlighting the competitive depth of the division and complexity of this season’s playoff seeding.
Team Performance Trends
The Atlanta Falcons continue their unusual trend of winning more consistently after playoff elimination. Since 2018, Atlanta is 11-4 (.733) in games after being mathematically ruled out, compared to 53-78 (.405) with active playoff hopes, according to league tracking. Their late-season form, while too late to salvage playoff hopes this year, could lead to changes in leadership or roster strategy heading into 2026.
The New York Jets’ offensive struggles remain stark. Despite missing the last six games, Garrett Wilson still leads the team in receiving with only 395 yards, underlining the depth of the team’s passing game issues. The Jets will enter the offseason facing critical decisions at quarterback and across the offensive unit.
Transaction News
The Buffalo Bills released kicker Michael Badgley after a costly missed extra point that contributed to their recent loss. The Bills’ margin for error is small as they remain in the playoff hunt, and the decision to move on from Badgley signals urgency ahead of the regular season finale.
Player Achievements
Bijan Robinson added to his standout sophomore campaign, eclipsing 2,255 yards from scrimmage through 16 games, currently ranking 16th all-time for a single season. The Falcons’ running back has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing campaign, delivering elite production week in and week out.
Defensive Execution
Linebacker Tatum Bethune recounted a key defensive play against USC quarterback Caleb Williams in a recent interview. Bethune and teammate Dee changed a blitz call at the line to disrupt Williams’ timing with extra coverage, effectively neutralizing the quarterback under pressure. The adjustment reflects the increasing focus teams are placing on game-planning around elite mobile quarterbacks, especially during critical two-minute situations.