NFL Week 18 Tracker: Who’s In, Who’s Out for Final Week of Season (Live Updates)

We’re officially onto Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season, and there are plenty of playoff implications on the line across the 16-game final slate.

Given that some teams are vying for postseason berths and seedings, others are locked into their spot, and the remaining have already been eliminated from contention, the final week of the regular season often sees some squads resting key contributors for A) a run at a Super Bowl, or B) to preserve their long-term health.

We've already seen a handful of teams make these decisions, so here’s a look at the latest up-to-date news around the NFL regarding who will play—and who won’t—in Week 18.

Week 18 notable inactives: Malik Willis, Nico Collins among those who won’t suit up in season finale

With the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs locked up, the Packers are sitting several starters today in their season finale—most notably, quarterback Jordan Love. In addition, backup Malik Willis is out with a shoulder injury, meaning third-stringer Clayton Tune will start under center for Green Bay. Another note? Cornerback Trevon Diggs is active and set to make his debut with his new club.

Other notable inactives across the NFL on Sunday include Texans wide receiver Nico Collins, Colts quarterback Philip Rivers, and Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. Meanwhile, in an all-important NFC South matchup between the Falcons and Saints, Kirk Cousins, Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Darnell Mooney will all play.

J.J. McCarthy will return to Vikings lineup

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will return to the Vikings’ lineup on Sunday afternoon when they take on the Packers, coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters on Friday. McCarthy missed last weekend’s game with a hand injury.

After a brutal 4–8 start to the 2025 season, Minnesota has rattled off four straight wins and is looking to finish above .500 for a second straight year.

Rams to play their starters in Week 18 following loss to Falcons, activate TE Tyler Higbee

The Rams are going full speed ahead into Week 18 after their upset loss to the Falcons on Monday night.

Following the game—one in which quarterback Matthew Stafford threw three costly interceptions—coach Sean McVay told reporters that L.A. will be playing their starters to close out the season for one simple reason: “We need to play better.”

McVay also spoke to reporters on Friday, relaying that RB Kyren Williams (questionable, ankle) is likely to play. Additionally, the team is expected to activate TE Tyler Higbee off injured reserve.

They'll welcome the Cardinals to SoFi Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Lamar Jackson says he’s playing in Ravens-Steelers game Sunday night

After missing last weekend’s Ravens win over the Packers, star quarterback Lamar Jackson is set to be back in the lineup in Week 18 as his team tries to clinch a playoff berth.

While speaking with reporters on Thursday afternoon in Baltimore, the two-time MVP—who is dealing with a back contusion—revealed that he’s “100%” playing against the Steelers on Sunday night. The AFC North bout is effectively a division championship game, as the winner clinches the No. 4 seed in the conference playoffs while the loser goes home.

Eagles to rest Jalen Hurts, “most starters” vs. Commanders on Sunday

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, quarterback Jalen Hurts—as well as “most starters”—won’t play on Sunday vs. the Commanders, with the team opting for rest during what coach Nick Sirianni has called a “bye week.”

Philadelphia can earn the NFC’s No. 2 seed in the playoffs with a win and a Bears loss to the Lions.

The Philip Rivers experiment is over in Indianapolis

After a triumphant effort to potentially carry the Colts to to the playoffs, the Philip Rivers experiment is coming to an end.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Stephen Holder, Indianapolis is expected to start rookie Riley Leonard in the team's season finale vs. the Texans in Week 18.

Rivers, 44, finishes his historic NFL comeback with an 0–3 record while completing 63.0% of his passes for 544 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Chargers to rest Justin Herbert, certain players vs. Broncos

Harbaugh and Herbert — Trey Lance will start for the Chargers at quarterback on Sunday in Denver. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Chargers are locked into a wild-card berth in the AFC playoff and as such, aren’t going to press their luck any more.

According to coach Jim Harbaugh, L.A. is resting star quarterback Justin Herbert on Sunday afternoon against the Broncos. Additionally, they will also sit other starters who have “the most bruises” and need “the most healing.”

This decision from the Chargers carries with it some noteworthy playoff implications. If the Broncos win, they’ll earn the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. If they lose and the Patriots win, however, then New England gets the top seed.

Patriots will “probably” play everybody who is healthy vs. Dolphins

Mike Vrabel and Morgan Moses — Mike Vrabel and the Patriots can clinch the AFC's No. 1 seed with a win and some help on Sunday. | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Patriots plan to “probably” play everybody that’s healthy on Sunday afternoon against the Dolphins, coach Mike Vrabel told WEEI’s The Greg Hill Show on Monday.

New England can clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a win and a Broncos loss to the Chargers, so they do have something to play for—albeit needing a little help.