Seventeen weeks have passed and the NFL season has come to an end once again. But he's about to have one of his best final weeks in recent memory, as 11 teams have a chance to clinch a playoff spot with five spots remaining.
A playoff spot could be decided after 10 games, and some teams could have an easier path by having players sit out to stay healthy for the playoffs.
Some players have contractual incentives.
Let's take a look at the weekend's big matches.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Wilson was photographed with the NFL logo on his football before the game between the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars on December 4, 2022 at Ford Field in Detroit. (Nick Antaya/Getty Images)
Games that will impact the playoffs
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
For the Steelers, it's simple. They win and one of the following has to happen: Bills lose, Jaguars lose or tie, or Colts vs. Texas tie. Even if they lose or draw, they won't be eliminated, but it's quite unstable.
But they are getting a little gift. The Ravens already have the No. 1 seed, so league MVP Lamar Jackson likely won't play.
Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts, Saturday, 8:15 p.m.
This is very simple. If you win, you win, if you lose, you lose.
If Jacksonville loses or ties, the winner of this game will be crowned AFC South.
However, if this match ends in a draw, all hell will break out in the AFC.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m.
The Jags became district champions with the victory. But if they lose, they will need a lot of help to make the playoffs as the No. 7 seed. Pittsburgh and Denver need to lose, and the Colts-Texans game is not a tie.
Trevor Lawrence remains a question mark.
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m.
Neither team can advance to the playoffs just by winning this game. Both need help, but the one who loses is the one who loses.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m.
The Bucks won the NFC South by defeating the lowly Panthers, who do not even have a first-round pick next season, who is likely to be No. 1 overall.
Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston on November 5, 2023. (Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m.
The Packers control their own destiny. If we win, we will advance to the playoffs. but…
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m.
If the Packers lose and the Vikings win, the Packers will be eliminated.
The Vikings are holding on for dear life. They need a win, a loss to the Packers, a loss to the Seahawks, and a loss to either the Buccaneers or Saints.
Has anyone seen “Angel in the Outfield”? Possible.
Tyreek Hill, home of the Dolphins, is engulfed in flames.Team announces everyone is safe
The Lions are already NFC North champions and will earn either a No. 2 or No. 3 seed. The Lions and Dallas are both 11-5, but after last week's controversy, Dallas was forced into a tiebreaker.
Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m.
If the Packers lose (or tie) and the Seahawks win, Green Bay is eliminated and the Seahawks qualify. But if Green Bay wins or Seattle loses, it's over for the Seahawks.
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 8:20 p.m.
The winner of this game will decide the AFC East championship, but if Buffalo loses, the Bills may miss out on the playoffs.
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass against the Miami Dolphins on October 1, 2023 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. (Brian M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Saquon Barkley says Week 18 could be his last game as a Giants: 'That's out of my control'
If both the Jags and Steelers win, and Saturday's game between the Colts and Texans doesn't end in a tie, Buffalo needs a win to survive.
If the Jags or Steelers lose or tie, or if the Colts vs. Texans game teeth With a tie, Buffalo advances to the playoffs.
Did you understand everything? good. Now, let's take a look at who won't be playing this weekend.
inert substance
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs earned the No. 3 seed in the AFC and will play next weekend. Mahomes will be resting after perhaps the worst regular season of his career.
San Francisco 49ers Brock Purdy/Christian McCaffrey
The Niners are locked into the No. 1 seed, but opted to give their two top starters an extra bye week. McCaffrey is also being treated for a calf injury.
Christian McCaffrey and Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate a touchdown during the third quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle on December 15, 2022. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Eagles' AJ Brown addresses rumors of locker room chaos as losing skid continues
Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson/Odell Beckham Jr.
The Ravens won a bye in the AFC thanks to the performance of Jackson, who has a high chance of being the MVP. We'll find out Saturday if Baltimore rests anyone.
Joe Flacco of the Cleveland Browns
Flacco has turned back the clock since joining the Browns, but with Cleveland locked in as the No. 5 seed, he will likely be rested before continuing his magic carpet journey.
Los Angeles Rams Matthew Stafford/Kyren Williams/Cooper Kupp
Please note that Puka Nacua is not on this list. He is 29 yards away from setting the record for most receiving yards in a rookie season.
However, the Rams are set to be a 6th or 7th seed and will rest players who have already battled injuries this year.
Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans
This could be Ryan Tannehill's farewell in Nashville.
For all you gamblers out there, we have your back. Some players will be playing for extra cash this weekend (all incentives are through the Action Network).
incentive
DeAndre Hopkins of the Tennessee Titans
Perhaps Tannehill and DeAndre Hopkins could connect several times. Hopkins would like that too. He's 49 yards away from a $1 million bonus. He could earn an additional $250,000 if he makes seven catches, and another $250,000 if he scores two points.
DeAndre Hopkins of the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Chicago Bears during a preseason game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Aug. 12, 2023. (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Lions fans respond after referee controversy in loss to Cowboys
Devin Singletary of the Houston Texans
Running backs will have to work even harder for a spot in the playoffs. If Singletary could total enough snaps to be on the field for 55% of his snaps for the entire season, he would earn his $250,000. He's scheduled to make $125,000 for his half-time playing so far, but with his renewed interest in the spotlight in recent weeks, he'll likely earn $250,000. .
Bud Dupree of the Atlanta Falcons
It's time to see if the Falcons care more about winning or money.
Dupree has played in 62% of the team's snaps this season, but would earn $1 million if he played 65%. He has played at least 65 percent in 10 of the Falcons' 16 games this season.
Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks
The quarterback has extra motivation to make the playoffs, $2 million to be exact. If the Seahawks make the playoffs, that's a bonus for him.
Green Bay Packers' Jordan Love
Love will earn $500,000 if the Pack makes the playoffs.
Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers thinks about passing during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Dec. 31, 2023. (David Berding/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mayfield could earn $1 million this season if he plays 85% of the snaps, but he would earn another $1 million if the Bucks make the playoffs.
Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs
One sack in this game would earn Jones a $1.25 million bonus.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcast and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
