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Now that the NFL regular season has officially wrapped up, it is time to look at some of the biggest winners and losers from the Week 18 slate. The No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft was secured, a sack record was set and the playoff picture was finalized.
NFL Week 18 winners
Las Vegas Raiders: Not much has gone right for the Raiders (3-14) this season, but with the New York Giants winning each of their last two games, Las Vegas will have the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. According to Tankathon, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore are the top two QBs on the board, a position the league’s worst offense must pursue.
Myles Garrett, defensive end, Cleveland Browns: With a fourth-quarter sack of Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow, the All-Pro DE broke the league’s single-season sack record with his 23rd of the season, only strengthening his case for Defensive Player of the Year.
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers (8-9) sure made it difficult on themselves, but with the Atlanta Falcons taking down the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Carolina will be the NFC’s No. 4 seed as champions of the NFC South. This comes even after a 16-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday.
Trevor Lawrence, quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars (13-4) completed a remarkable year-to-year turnaround as Lawrence set the single-season franchise record with 38 total TDs, sealing the AFC South title for Jacksonville.
Denver Broncos defense: Denver (14-3) never scored an offensive TD against the Los Angeles Chargers, but its fourth-best defense (19.3 PPG) was sensational, led by cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian’s pick-six. With both the New England Patriots and Jaguars winning, the Broncos needed everything they got from the defense to clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
