Overview
- Analysts project Ohio State to beat Miami in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal, citing the Buckeyes’ offensive line versus the Hurricanes’ pass rush as the decisive matchup.
- Key Ohio State figures face legacy stakes, with coach Ryan Day eyeing a second title and QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith positioned to boost Heisman and draft profiles with a deep run.
- Week 18 features winner-take-all showdowns, including Seahawks-49ers for the NFC West and No. 1 seed and Ravens-Steelers for the AFC North, plus Panthers-Buccaneers with a division path that also requires a Falcons loss.
- Betting markets reflect unusual lines: Tampa Bay favored despite a prolonged skid, Seattle a road favorite at San Francisco, and Baltimore laying points in Pittsburgh even with Lamar Jackson’s status unresolved.
- Myles Garrett sits one sack from the NFL single-season record, while the Rams’ late slump and Matthew Stafford’s three-interception loss dented both seeding hopes and MVP odds, prompting Sean McVay to keep starters active in Week 18.