Ravens vs. Steelers: Key NFL Week 18 Matchups and Predictions
This weekend marks a crucial moment in the 2025 NFL regular season, with three key matchups that fans won’t want to miss. With playoff implications on the line, the games are set to deliver intense action.
Week 18 Preview: NFL Showdowns
Panthers at Buccaneers
The NFC South championship will unfold as the Carolina Panthers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. The winner secures the NFC’s No. 4 seed and hosts a wild-card game, while the loser ends their season.
- Spread: Tampa Bay -2.5
- Key matchup: Bryce Young vs. Buccaneers’ pass defense
- Key stat: Tampa ranks 21st in EPA per pass against (+0.01)
Carolina’s young quarterback, Bryce Young, has had a challenging season, throwing for 2,745 yards and 21 touchdowns. His primary target, rookie Tetairoa McMillan, has made 66 catches for 929 yards. With Tampa Bay’s defense struggling, this matchup offers Young a chance to shine.
The Buccaneers have lost seven of their last eight games, allowing an average of 27.3 points per game. Young previously defeated Tampa Bay in Week 16, throwing for 191 yards and two touchdowns.
49ers vs. Seahawks
In the late Saturday game, the San Francisco 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks at 8 p.m. ET, also on ESPN. This game will determine the NFC West champion and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
- Spread: Seattle -1.5
- Key matchup: Christian McCaffrey vs. Seahawks’ run defense
- Key stat: Seattle allows a league-low 3.7 yards per carry
Despite a tough season on the ground, Christian McCaffrey has amassed significant yardage, leading the league with 2,069 total yards. However, the 49ers rank 30th in rushing offense. San Francisco needs to find a way to establish their ground game against a formidable Seahawks defense.
Ravens at Steelers
Sunday Night Football features a highly anticipated clash between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. This game is crucial for both teams as they vie for the AFC North title.
- Spread: Baltimore -3.5
- Key matchup: Derrick Henry vs. Pittsburgh’s front seven
- Key stat: The Steelers have allowed -0.02 EPA per rush
Derrick Henry is the focal point for Baltimore, having rushed for 1,469 yards this season. In their last encounter in Week 14, he managed 94 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers in a close match. Pittsburgh’s defensive performance will be critical, as they have limited opponents to just 176 rushing yards in their last three games combined.
Each of these matchups promises excitement and high stakes. With playoff positions at risk, fans should prepare for a thrilling weekend of NFL action.
