As we hit Week 18 of the 2022 NFL season, eight teams are still trying to clinch one of three remaining playoff spots. The Jaguars and Titans face off Saturday in a win-and-in situation for the AFC South title, and the Jaguars could actually still slip into a wild-card berth with a loss if they get some help. The Packers and Patriots also have win-and-in scenarios, though only the Patriots have a chance to still make it if they lose. And then there are four teams -- the Seahawks, Lions, Dolphins and Steelers -- that need a win to simply stay alive and have a chance at all, though their fates rely on other matchups.
So how can each of these teams that need to win this weekend get it done? Let's run through one big game plan key to victory for all eight franchises. We'll focus on personnel matchups, scheme advantages, coaching tendencies and what we see on the game tape. Additionally, clinching scenarios are detailed below for each team, which are listed from best to worst chance to make the playoffs via ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI).
Here are the game planning focal points for the eight teams still in the running for a playoff spot, starting with the Jaguars.
Jump to playoff contender:
JAX | GB | MIA | NE
SEA | PIT | TEN | DET
