It’s that time when NFL teams are making their final statements for the regular season.

With much of the playoff landscape set, Week 18 still presents opportunities for several teams to secure playoff spots or better their standings. Others aim to spoil the party for rivals and finish the season positively. Despite many matchups lacking direct stakes, there’s still potential for unexpected events and impressive performances.

Here are some daring predictions from YSL News Sports for Week 18 in the NFL:

Mike Evans Sets His Sights on NFL Record

It’s almost certain that Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ standout Mike Evans will tie an NFL record set by Jerry Rice for the most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Heading into the game against the New Orleans Saints, he needs just 85 yards to hit this milestone, which would also solidify his record for most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin a career. With the potential to break Rice’s record, this prediction doesn’t seem overly bold, especially since he faced a challenge earlier this season with a hamstring injury that kept him out of three games. Moreover, with the Saints’ Marshon Lattimore traded to Washington, Evans won’t face his tough opponent in this game. Historically, Evans has averaged just 49.7 yards in 20 encounters with New Orleans, largely due to Lattimore’s presence. However, without him, Evans has a clearer path to making a significant impact against the Saints. The real twist? Expect Evans to achieve this milestone with a touchdown catch, ideally one that helps the Buccaneers (currently 9-7) secure the NFC South title.

— Jarrett Bell

Drake Maye Shines Against Bills, Impacting Patriots’ Draft Pick

If the New England Patriots lose to the Buffalo Bills, they will finish the season with a seven-game losing streak. Jerod Mayo’s challenging first year might even lead to his dismissal, a surprising twist from owner Robert Kraft.

As it stands, the Patriots have the chance to pick first in the April 2025 draft. An additional loss would secure that position for them. However, winning complicates things. Take, for example, the Texans who, two seasons ago, moved from first to second when they defeated the Colts in the final week. Ultimately, they ended up drafting C.J. Stroud, a notable option. While moving down a couple of spots may not spell disaster for the Patriots, especially with quarterback Drake Maye already in their lineup, it could impact their shot at talented prospect Travis Hunter—either a valuable target for Maye or a complement to cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

Bills coach Sean McDermott might rest some defensive stars in the second half, preparing for the upcoming wild-card game. Meanwhile, Maye will be eager to finish his rollercoaster rookie season on a positive note.

His potential stats could look impressive: 24 completions on 28 attempts, 289 passing yards, and 2 touchdowns, alongside 8 carries for 77 rushing yards and another touchdown.

This is, of course, hypothetical and quite ambitious, considering it would mark a career-high in passing yards for the rookie QB. A more realistic aim might be ensuring he handles the ball securely, given his four fumbles in the last three games.

— Chris Bumbaca

Lions Claim NFC North Title with Jahmyr Gibbs’ Performance

Gibbs is expected to have the best game of his young career with the NFC North title and the conference’s top playoff seed at stake.

The Lions’ second-year running back is predicted to rack up a career-high 190 yards from scrimmage and score two touchdowns in their home game against the Minnesota Vikings. In their previous matchup in Week 7, Gibbs achieved 116 rushing yards and 44 receiving yards, scoring twice. It’s strategic for Detroit to spotlight Gibbs on Sunday night, as his speed and versatility pose significant challenges for the Vikings’ defense. Expect him to excel in both running and catching, contributing to what is likely to be a high-scoring affair.

— Tyler Dragon

Steelers Face Tough Road as Russell Wilson’s Challenges Intensify

Wilson emphasized this week that the Steelers “must let go” of their recent three-game losing streak as they head into their Saturday game against the Bengals. However, Coach Mike Tomlin wants Wilson to understand one vital message: “Protect the football and stick to the plan.” Wilson has struggled lately, with two interceptions and two fumbles in their previous two losses, leaving the coach with little tolerance for mistakes during crucial moments.

The Bengals’ defense might seem like a remedy for these struggles; Wilson previously threw for a season-high 414 yards and three touchdowns against them in the first meeting, which ended in a 44-38 win for the Steelers. However, the Bengals’ defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo expressed confidence that they can contain explosive plays while managing checkdowns, especially after observing the Steelers’ running backs accumulating 146 receiving yards in that game. Recent takeaways have been vital for the Bengals, who have secured 10 turnovers in the last three weeks. While Wilson might not be as reckless as Will Levis and Jameis Winston were against this defense, he could find himself in trouble if he needs to keep pace with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.

— Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz