The week 18 finale saw a lot of great production from teams who punched their tickets into the playoffs as well as some great divisional matchups to conclude the season. However, week 18 also saw some teams struggle and let their chances of making the playoffs slip away with a blink of an eye as they entered the 2024 offseason early.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL Teams after the week 18 games:
Arizona Cardinals: C (Last week B-)
The Cardinals played well, but fell in a close 20-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Kyler Murray threw a touchdown against no interceptions on the afternoon. James Conner scored a rushing touchdown and Trey McBride scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Cardinals had no sacks or turnovers as they enter the 2024 offseason with a lot to fix working toward a better 2024 regular season.
Atlanta Falcons: D+ (Last week D-)
The Falcons struggled at home, as their season imploded, with a 17-48 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Desmond Ridder threw two touchdowns against an interception and Logan Woodside threw an interception on the afternoon. The Falcons rushing attack combined for 78 yards on the ground while Bijan Robinson and Jonnu Smith both scored touchdowns. On defense, the Falcons had three sacks but no interceptions or fumble recoveries on the afternoon. The Falcons have very talented players on offense, but need to go shopping for a new quarterback and a new coach as Arthur Smith was shown the exit door hours after the loss.
Baltimore Ravens: C (Last week A)
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The Ravens concluded the 2023 season with a 10-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tyler Huntley (who took the start as Lamar Jackson was benched for the AFC Divisional round) threw a touchdown against no interceptions. Gus Edwards rushed for 48 yards on 10 carries and Isaiah Likely scored a touchdown in the second quarter. On defense, the Ravens had three sacks and two fumble recoveries but no interceptions. The Ravens played decently as they rested some starters and prepared to defend their home turf in the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills: B (Last week C+)
It was a wild ride for the Bills as they defeated the Miami Dolphins 21-14 in a thrilling AFC East-clinching victory. Josh Allen threw two touchdowns against two interceptions and led the Bills in rushing with 67 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Trent Sherfield and Dawson Knox both scored receiving touchdowns on the night. On defense, the Bills had a sack and two interceptions as the Bills ready their wagons for a matchup against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers in the upcoming playoffs.
Carolina Panthers: F (Last week F)
The Panthers finished the 2023 season on a very depressing note, as they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0-9. Bryce Young threw no touchdowns or interceptions but was sacked three times. Chuba Hubbard rushed for 83 yards on 23 carries and DJ Chark Jr. had 46 receiving yards. On defense, the Panthers had three sacks but no defensive turnovers as their season ended on an extremely sour note, and to top it off they do not have a very high draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Panthers have a lot of things to fix during the 2024 offseason if they want to be successful again.
Chicago Bears: D (Last week B-)
The Bears fell back to earth as they struggled in their 9-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Justin Fields threw no touchdowns or interceptions as he was also sacked five times. Khalil Herbert led the team with 28 rushing yards on the day and DJ Moore had 64 receiving yards. On defense, the Bears had one sack and a fumble recovery, but no interceptions as the Packers ran all over them. The Bears do have the Carolina Panthers’ first overall pick in the 2024 Draft which is a nice treat for them as they could potentially draft another quarterback to succeed Fields or draft talent that can help Fields develop his game further.
Cincinnati Bengals: B (Last week C-)
The Bengals finished their injury-plagued season on a high note with a 31-14 victory over their in-state rivals, the Cleveland Browns. Jake Browning threw three touchdowns against one interception but was sacked twice. Joe Mixon scored a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown in the afternoon and Andrei Losivas scored two touchdowns. On defense, the Bengals had three sacks and two interceptions. Even though the Bengals aren’t going to return to the postseason, they did get their first division win of the season and put up a strong fight against their instate rivals.
Cleveland Browns: C- (Last week B+)
After an amazing performance from Joe Flacco, the Browns rested him for the playoffs and started Jeff Driskel in their 14-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Driskel threw two touchdowns against two interceptions. Pierre Strong had 65 rushing yards and David Bell scored two touchdowns. On defense, the Browns had three sacks and one interception as they rested their main starters for the first-round playoffs against the Houston Texans.
Dallas Cowboys: B+ (Last week B-)
The Dallas Cowboys stomped their way to the NFC East crown in their 38-10 victory over the Washington Commanders. Dak Prescott threw four touchdowns against one interception while Tony Pollard scored a rushing touchdown. CeeDee Lamb scored two touchdowns while Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert both scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Cowboys had four sacks, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions. The Cowboys played a strong game and could potentially go on a serious playoff run- if they continue to bring this energy against the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs.
Denver Broncos: D (Last week B-)
The Broncos fell back to earth as they lost to the Las Vegas Raiders 14-27 in a very disappointing finish to the 2023 season. Jarett Stidham threw a touchdown against an interception on the day. Javonte Williams scored a rushing touchdown and Jerry Jeudy scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Broncos had three sacks but no interceptions or fumble recoveries on the afternoon. The Broncos enter the offseason looking to make drastic improvements at quarterback, as rumors swirl on whether Russell Wilson will be shown the exit or not.
Detroit Lions: B (Last week C-)
The Lions played their final regular season game in a strong and dominating fashion as they defeated the Minnesota Vikings 30-20. Jared Goff threw two touchdowns against no interceptions. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs both scored rushing touchdowns while Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta both scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Lions had four sacks and two interceptions as they finished the regular season strong. Their focus now shifts towards hosting their first playoff home game since the 1993 season.
Green Bay Packers: B (Last week B+)
The Packers played a very phenomenal season finale against their NFC North foe, the Chicago Bears in a 17-9 victory that also saw them clinch a spot in the playoffs. Jordan Love threw two touchdowns against no interceptions while Aaron Jones had 111 rushing yards. Dontayvion Wicks scored two touchdowns while Jayden Reed had 112 receiving yards. On defense, the Packers had five sacks but no turnovers. The Packers played strong as they looked to make a potential run in the playoffs.
Houston Texans: B (Last week B-)
The Texans played a strong game on the road as they not only defeated the Indianapolis Colts 23-19 but also secured a playoff spot and the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars losing to the Tennessee Titans. C.J. Stroud threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, Devin Singletary scored a rushing touchdown, Nico Collins scored a touchdown, and Andrew Beck scored a touchdown. On defense, the Texans had one sack and a fumble recovery but no interceptions. With the Texans securing the AFC South crown, they are only getting started as C.J. Stroud looks to possibly win Rookie of the Year with all that he’s done this season.
Indianapolis Colts: D (Last week C+)
The Colts did what they could, but fell short to the Houston Texans 19-23 as they also kissed their playoff hopes goodbye. Gardner Minshew threw no touchdowns or interceptions. He also threw too many incompletions, which hurt the Colts’ chances of making the playoffs. Josh Downs caught three receptions for 48 yards, Michael Pittman Jr. caught five receptions for 44 yards, and Jonathan Taylor scored the Colts’ only touchdown. On defense, the Colts had two sacks but no defensive turnovers. Getting knocked out of the playoff hunt in the final regular season certainly hurts, but the Colts’ future remains bright with Anthony Richardson returning in 2024, as he can help the team in a return bid for glory.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C- (Last week B-)
The Jaguars had a chance to defeat the Tennessee Titans and claim a spot in the playoffs, but they let all of that slip away, in their 20-28 loss. Trevor Lawrence threw two touchdowns against two interceptions. Travis Etienne Jr. had 57 rushing yards on the afternoon while Calvin Ridley and Evan Engram both scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Jaguars had two sacks and an interception. It was a disappointing finish to the 2023 season for a team that looked as if they were on the cusp of becoming the team to beat in the AFC South.
Kansas City Chiefs: C- (Last week C+)
The Chiefs entered week 18 with most of their starters resting for the upcoming playoffs. They still managed to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 13-12. Blaine Gabbert threw an interception against no touchdowns on the afternoon. La’Michal Perine rushed for 76 yards and Mecole Hardman Jr. had 77 receiving yards. On defense, the Chiefs had three sacks and a Mike Edwards fumble recovery who scored the team’s only touchdown. The game and score felt hollow for the defending Super Bowl champions, but they got the win and are ready for the playoffs to begin.
Las Vegas Raiders: B (Last week C-)
The Raiders managed to finish the 2023 season on a strong note with a 27-14 victory over the Denver Broncos. Aidan O’Connell threw two touchdowns against no interceptions while Zamir White led the team with 112 rushing yards. Jakobi Meyers and Davante Adams both scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Raiders had five sacks and an interception as they head into the 2024 offseason with a lot of things to work on. Hopefully, the team finds a way to keep Antonio Pierce around as head coach. He has certainly earned his spot by helping the Raiders in play, after the departure of Josh McDaniels.
Los Angeles Chargers: D (Last week D)
The Chargers took another tough loss at home in their 12-13 season finale to the Kansas City Chiefs. Easton Stick threw no touchdowns or interceptions on the afternoon and led the Chargers ground game with 77 rushing yards. Donald Parham Jr. had 83 receiving yards and Joshua Palmer had 44 receiving yards. On defense, the Chargers had a sack and an interception. They enter the 2024 offseason on the hunt for a new coach as Justin Herbert recovers and readies to help the team in the 2024 regular season.
Los Angeles Rams: B (Last week C-)
The Rams played well, despite resting their starters in the team’s 21-20 nail-biting win over the San Francisco 49ers. Carson Wentz (who signed with the Rams earlier in the regular season) threw two touchdowns against an interception and scored a rushing touchdown. Puka Nacua and Tyler Johnson both scored touchdowns on the afternoon, as well. On defense, the Rams had three sacks and a fumble recovery in their regular season finale. Now, they get prepared for the playoffs.
Miami Dolphins: C- (Last week D)
It was a tough night for the Dolphins, as they fell to the Buffalo Bills 14-21. Tua Tagovailoa threw a touchdown against an interception. De’Von Achane scored a rushing touchdown while Tyreek Hill scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Dolphins had three sacks and two interceptions in the effort against the Bills. The Dolphins need to turn their attention to the playoffs as they get themselves prepared for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Minnesota Vikings: C- (Last week D)
The Vikings may have played better than they did in week 17, but they still lost 20-30 to the Detroit Lions, and failed at clinching a playoff berth. Nick Mullens threw two touchdowns against two interceptions. Ty Chandler rushed for 69 yards on 12 carries while Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison both caught touchdown passes. On defense, the Vikings had a sack, but no interceptions or fumble recoveries in the loss. The Vikings were a team of missed opportunities and they have a lot of work to do if they want to have a more successful 2024 season.
New England Patriots: F (Last week D-)
It was a very brutal afternoon, for the Patriots, as they were stunned at home by the New York Jets, 3-17. Bailey Zappe threw two interceptions against no touchdowns in the afternoon. Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 54 yards, and Jalen Reagor caught one reception for 33 yards. The Patriots’ only points of the game were scored via a Chad Ryland field goal in the second quarter. they were shut out in the second half by an aggressive Jets’ defense. This game potentially marks the end of Bill Belichick’s historic tenure as head coach of the Pats, as they look to start fresh for the 2024 season.
New Orleans Saints: B+ (Last week B+)
The Saints may not be in the playoffs, but they finished their season on a high note, with a 48-17 beat down victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Derek Carr threw four touchdowns against no interceptions. Kendre Miller and Jamaal Williams both scored rushing touchdowns. A.T. Perry scored two touchdowns while both Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Saints had one sack, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions as they enter the offseason looking to improve on all fronts in the 2024 season.
New York Giants: B+ (Last week D+)
The Giants finished the regular season on a positive note, as they played spoiler, by preventing the Philadelphia Eagles from winning the NFC East in their 27-10 victory. Tyrod Taylor threw a touchdown against an interception in the late afternoon. Saquon Barkley scored two rushing touchdowns and Darius Slayton scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the G-Men had five sacks, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions as they crushed the Eagles at home. As they enter the 2024 offseason, hopefully, there is a plan to fix the woeful offensive line.
New York Jets: C+ (Last week D+)
The Jets started their snowy afternoon slowly, but picked things up in the fourth quarter and brought the hammer down in a 17-3 victory over the New England Patriots. Trevor Siemian threw no touchdowns or interceptions, but was sacked once. Breece Hall had a strong afternoon on the ground with 178 rushing yards and a touchdown. Garrett Wilson had 34 receiving yards in the victory. On defense, the Jets had two interceptions and seven sacks. They defeated their arch-rival Patriots, for the first time since 2015. It marks their first victory in Foxborough, MA since the 2010-11 AFC Divisional round playoff game.
Philadelphia Eagles: D (Last week C)
It was a rough afternoon for the Eagles, as they fell to the New York Giants 10-27. Jalen Hurt threw an interception against no touchdowns while Marcus Mariota threw a touchdown against an interception. Kenneth Gainwell led the Eagles in rushing with 62 rushing yards while Quez Watkins scored a receiving touchdown in the fourth quarter. On defense, the Eagles had two sacks and one interception. The next stop is the upcoming playoffs, on the road, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B+ (Last week C+)
The Steelers came to Baltimore, and defeated the Ravens 17-10, as they punched their ticket to the playoffs. Mason Rudolph threw a touchdown with no interceptions. Najee Harris scored a rushing touchdown and Dionte Johnson scored a touchdown. On defense, the Steelers had four sacks and two fumble recoveries but no interceptions. The Steelers did take a hit as T.J. Watt left the game with a grade II MCL sprain, which potentially can hurt the Steelers in the playoffs. They will continue the fight as he recovers.
San Francisco 49ers: C (Last week B+)
The 49ers rested their starters for the upcoming NFC Divisional round, as they fell to the Los Angeles Rams 20-21. Sam Darnold threw a touchdown against no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown. Elijah Mitchell scored a rushing touchdown and Ronnie Bell scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the 49ers had two sacks and an interception, as they look forward to resting and preparing for the upcoming Divisional round matchup, against whoever wins in the wildcard weekend.
Seattle Seahawks: C+ (Last week C)
The Seahawks may have missed out on the playoffs, but they did finish the 2023 season on a high note, with a 21-20 over the Arizona Cardinals. Geno Smith threw two touchdowns against no interceptions. Kenneth Walker III had 78 rushing yards while both Tyler Lockett and Will Dissly scored receiving touchdowns. On defense, the Seahawks had a sack but no turnovers. The Seahawks will be in repair mode, in the 2024 offseason, for a better 2024 regular season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C+ (Last week C)
The Buccaneers punched their ticket to the playoffs and the NFC South crown with a 9-0 shutout victory over the woeful Carolina Panthers on the road. Baker Mayfield threw no touchdowns or interceptions. Rachaad White rushed for 75 yards on 19 carries and Chris Godwin caught six receptions for 51 yards. Kicker Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals that kept the Bucs in the game. On defense, the Bucs had three sacks and two fumble recoveries. They dominated the Panthers for a third straight NFC South championship.
Tennessee Titans: B- (Last week F)
The Titans finished the 2023 season on a high note, as they played spoiler in their 28-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Ryan Tannehill threw two touchdowns against one interception on the day. Derrick Henry had 153 rushing yards and scored a rushing touchdown, DeAndre Hopkins scored a touchdown, and Tijae Spears scored both a rushing and a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Titans didn’t have any sacks, but did have two interceptions on the afternoon. The Titans have a lot of work to do in the 2024 offseason from possibly making Will Levis the starter in 2024 and fixing the offensive line to protect Levis or Tannehill- if he comes back to the Titans.
Washington Commanders: D- (Last week D-)
It was a brutal afternoon for the Commanders, as they fell at home 10-38 to the Dallas Cowboys. Sam Howell threw a touchdown against two interceptions but was sacked four times. Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for 25 yards in the evening and scored a receiving touchdown. On defense, the Commanders had no sacks but had one interception from Jartavius Martin. It was a tough loss for the Commanders, as they also fired Ron Rivera from his coaching duties. They enter the 2024 offseason with a lot of repairs for a much better 2024 regular season.
