Final Week of the NFL Regular Season: What’s at Stake?

As the clock winds down on the 2025 NFL Regular Season, teams are making crucial decisions regarding their roster for the final week. Some playoff-bound teams are considering resting their starters to avoid injuries, while those eliminated from postseason contention face a different motivation. Our panel of NFL experts, including Gary Davenport, Brad Gagnon, Kris Knox, Moe Moton, and Brent Sobleski, along with editors Ian Hanford and Wes O'Donnell, are here to breakdown the last slate of games and predict the outcomes that will shape the playoff picture.

Expert Predictions and Analysis

The competition among our experts is fierce, with only five wins separating the top contenders in the standings. Gagnon currently leads with a record of 134-120-2 against the spread. As they analyze matchups, they provide insights into some key games that could influence playoff placements.

In a win-or-go-home contest, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the Carolina Panthers. Gagnon believes the more experienced Bucs will come out on top, while Hanford questions their performance after a series of losses.

The Seattle Seahawks face off against the San Francisco 49ers, where Davenport expresses confidence in the Seahawks’ chances due to their health advantage. However, O'Donnell sees the value in the 49ers getting points and trusts their competitive spirit.

In another crucial matchup, the Jacksonville Jaguars are set to take on the Tennessee Titans. Knox thinks the Jaguars will prevail to clinch the AFC South, while Sobleski believes the Titans will benefit from their young players gaining essential experience.

With these tense matchups, the dynamics of teams making postseason pushes versus those shifting towards off-season strategies will be pivotal in determining the outcomes of these games.

Closing Thoughts

As we approach the end of the regular season, every team has a narrative to write. Whether it’s playoff aspirations or the groundwork for future seasons, expect a thrilling final week filled with strategic decisions and intense competition. Keep an eye on the expert picks as we dive deeper into the games that matter most!