Wk 17 Fallout: Injuries, Division Races, and Draft Order Take Shape Entering Final Week

Key injuries, playoff races, and draft positioning headline the NFL landscape following the conclusion of Week 17.

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Week 17 concluded with several pivotal developments across the NFL, setting the stage for a decisive final week of the regular season. From injury uncertainty surrounding star quarterbacks to tightening division races and a clearer draft picture, the league enters Week 18 with little left unresolved.

Baltimore’s quarterback situation remains a major storyline. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Monday it is 'to be determined' whether Lamar Jackson will play Sunday night at Pittsburgh with the AFC North title on the line. Jackson suffered a back contusion on December 21 and did not play in Baltimore’s 41-24 win over Green Bay. Harbaugh indicated more clarity is expected once the team returns to practice midweek.

Despite Jackson’s absence, Baltimore leaned heavily on Derrick Henry, who delivered a historic performance at Lambeau Field. Henry surpassed Tony Dorsett to move into tenth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list and climbed to fourth in career rushing touchdowns with 122. He also set an NFL record with his seventh career 200-yard rushing game.

In Los Angeles, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed Justin Herbert will not play in the regular-season finale at Denver. Herbert, who has been managing a broken left hand, will not dress as the team prioritizes postseason health. Trey Lance will start, with DJ Uiagalelei serving as the backup. The Chargers remain locked into a playoff spot but could still land anywhere from the fifth to seventh seed.

The NFC South remains unsettled. Tampa Bay, despite losing seven of its last eight games, can still win the division if Atlanta drops one of its final two games and the Buccaneers defeat Carolina in Week 18.

The AFC North will be decided in a Sunday night finale between Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Both teams enter with lingering questions, but the division title remains at stake.

Meanwhile, the draft order continues to solidify. Las Vegas currently holds the top pick, followed by the Giants, Jets, Titans, and Cardinals, with multiple positions still subject to change in Week 18.

Top 10 Draft Order entering Week 18:

1.     Las Vegas Raiders

2.     New York Giants

3.     New York Jets

4.     Tennessee Titans

5.     Arizona Cardinals

6.     Washington Commanders

7.     Cleveland Browns

8.     New Orleans Saints

9.     Cincinnati Bengals

10.  Kansas City Chiefs

• Multiple slots remain unsettled based on final-week results.

Final week. Maximum stakes.
Which storyline matters most heading into Week 18?
Let’s Talk About It.