If not, the Steelers could reclaim the divisional flag by vanquishing the Bengals on Saturday night in Pittsburgh, though surging Cincinnati is still fighting for its own slim playoff chances.

Chris Simms and Mike Florio make their picks for Week 18's titanic Sunday Night Football matchup, as the Lions host the Vikings with the No. 1 seed and NFC North title on the line.

Don't just assume that because a team is eliminated from the playoff race, or have their seed clinched and will be playing backups, that they have nothing to play for. It's a fallacy and the betting lines for the season finale usually reflect it.

Our writers and editors pick winners in all 16 games, with the NFC North, NFC South and an AFC wild-card spot up for grabs.

The final AFC playoff spot is up for grabs with the Broncos facing a win-and-in Week 18. If they lose, the Bengals and Dolphins are lurking.

Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (-2½) Sunday, 8:20 p.m. \| NBC. Pick: Lions -2½. This is a winner-take-all matchup for the NFC’s top see

Oddly, the Rams saw their playoff spot clinched Sunday night by Washington’s win over Atlanta. The Rams are NFC West champs, regardless of what happens against the Seahawks in Week 18. They have won five in a row and six of their last seven. They have won their last three despite not scoring 20 points in any of those games.

Josh Allen’s MVP resume is complete and the Bills are locked into the No. 2 seed so coach Sean McDermott plans to rest some starters. Allen will start his 115th consecutive game

Is it unfair the Lions-Vikings loser will open the playoffs on the road despite a superior record? NFL owners never have thought so.

The Minnesota Vikings will have two key players at their disposal against the Detroit Lions that they didn’t have in their first matchup.