The final week of the 2023 NFL regular season is upon us, and USA TODAY’s Lorenzo Reyes is back with his locks for Week 18. With the stakes high for several teams, the Saturday doubleheader is set to kick off with the Pittsburgh Steelers facing off against the Baltimore Ravens. The game will feature the Ravens, who have already secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and the Steelers, who are looking to clinch a playoff berth on the road.
The second game on Saturday will see the Houston Texans taking on the Indianapolis Colts in an AFC South battle with division crown and wild-card implications at stake. Both teams are vying for a playoff spot in their final game of the regular season.
The Steelers and Ravens are set to kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET, with the Texans and Colts game following at 8:15 p.m. Both games will be televised on ESPN/ABC and can also be streamed on ESPN+.
While the Ravens have already clinched the No. 1 seed, the Steelers still have a chance to secure a playoff berth. However, they would need help from several teams to reach the postseason, making their situation all the more precarious.
As for the Texans and Colts, it’s a simple story – win and get into the playoffs. The game is crucial for both teams, with the loser likely having to wait until next year for another chance at the postseason.
Reyes and the USA TODAY Sports staff have made their predictions for both games, with the majority favoring the Steelers over the Ravens and the Texans over the Colts.
With a lot on the line and playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Week 18 is shaping up to be an exciting and impactful end to the 2023 NFL regular season.