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Over the next 12 months, a fresh crop of footballers will establish themselves atop the men’s game. Here, theScore looks at some talented youngsters – aged 21 and under – who are set to flourish in 2024, while excluding those who made our list in previous years.

Previous selections: 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023

Jobe Bellingham ?gbeng

Club: Sunderland | Age: 18 | Position: Midfielder

Bellingham, the younger brother of Real Madrid’s Jude, was a regular starter in the Championship before he turned 18. He’s mostly appeared in an advanced role since joining Sunderland from Birmingham City last summer, and although this season’s return of four goals and one assist is fairly modest, his maturity and physicality have helped him improve at a startling rate. Former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray identified “his greatest asset is that he wants to learn,” and the club paying no more than £2.5 million for the midfielder is a remarkable piece of business. – Daniel Rouse

Oscar Bobb ??

Club: Manchester City | Age: 20 | Position: Winger

Like Phil Foden and Rico Lewis before him, Bobb has emerged from Manchester City’s academy and is immediately comfortable in Pep Guardiola’s setup. Guardiola compared Bobb to Foden, Lewis, and Bernardo Silva when he recently praised the Norwegian’s knack for playing in tight spaces. His confidence, awareness, and aggressiveness out of possession are extremely impressive for his age. It’s a great shame that Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Bobb won’t be combining in attack at Euro 2024 due to Norway’s inexplicable failure to qualify. – Rouse

Paris Brunner ??

Club: Borussia Dortmund | Age: 17 | Position: Forward

The future is bright for Borussia Dortmund’s attack. Along with Youssoufa Moukoko, the Bundesliga side has another prodigy waiting in the wing in Brunner. After leading Germany to victory last summer at the Under-17 World Cup – he topped the scoring chart and was named player of the tournament – Brunner continued to display great instincts in front of goal for Dortmund’s U19 team, scoring 10 goals in nine league games. It shouldn’t be long before Brunner, who’s also renowned for his dribbling skills and capable of playing on the wing, breaks into the first team and challenges for a starting place. – Gordon Brunt

Levi Colwill ?gbeng

Club: Chelsea | Age: 20 | Position: Center-back

Chelsea’s loan network was previously a black hole for talented young players, but the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James, and Colwill have proved there’s now a pathway to the first team after successful temporary spells away. Stints with Huddersfield Town and Brighton helped Colwill develop his game as a ball-playing defender, and his ability to cover at left-back has helped Chelsea deal with a spate of injuries. “I think he can be one of the greatest center-backs in England,” Mauricio Pochettino declared last July after Colwill’s first appearance under him. – Rouse

Benjamin Cremaschi ??

Club: Inter Miami | Age: 18 | Position: Attacking midfielder

Born and raised in south Florida, Cremaschi graduated from Inter Miami’s academy before earning his shot in the first team alongside childhood idol Lionel Messi. He impressed at all youth levels, received call-ups to the U.S. and Argentine national teams, and jumped right into the deep end in MLS, starting 21 of his 28 matches last season. A tenacious midfielder who can cover acres of space, Cremaschi has embraced the physicality of MLS and the challenge of playing in multiple areas of midfield. But he’s at home in an attacking role, and Messi will help him develop the skills to play there. – Anthony Lopopolo

Anthony Elanga ??

Club: Nottingham Forest | Age: 21 | Position: Winger

Manchester United don’t need to be reminded about what they potentially missed out on when they offloaded Elanga to Nottingham Forest in 2021. Yet, despite having an abundance of wingers, the Red Devils could sorely use one with Elanga’s ability to finish. But what makes the versatile Swedish international so effective is his ability to change speeds, burst away from defenders in the blink of an eye, and cut inside from the flank. Whether or not Forest get relegated this season, Elanga is bound to attract a long lineup of suitors in the summer. – Brunt

Julio Enciso ??

Club: Brighton & Hove Albion | Age: 19 | Position: Forward

Enciso might not return from his nagging knee injury until February. Still, his potential is obvious after he notched four goals and four assists in his last 14 Premier League appearances, with one venomous strike against Manchester City earning him a place on the three-man shortlist for FIFA’s Puskas Award. Amid all the hype, Roberto De Zerbi has warned that Enciso needs to improve his mentality. “Enciso played a fantastic game until the goal, and then he finished the game,” the Brighton boss said when the attacker seemed to switch off after a long-range stunner against Chelsea last April. – Rouse

Evan Ferguson ??

Club: Brighton & Hove Albion | Age: 19 | Position: Striker

The combination of power, finesse, and agility should help Ferguson develop into one of the world’s elite strikers. The towering Irish teenager has shown he’s more than capable of dealing with the physical demands of the Premier League while earning a reputation as one of the best finishers in England. But his pace and clever movement without the ball separate Ferguson from his peers. While consistency has been an issue this season, look for Ferguson to score in bunches and continue to blossom. – Brunt

Arda Guler ??

Club: Real Madrid | Age: 18 | Position: Attacking midfielder

It took a little longer than expected, but Guler is about to get his chance to shine at Real Madrid. Signed from Fenerbahce in the summer in a deal that could ultimately be worth €30 million, the Turkish teenager has yet to make his debut due to injuries; he had arthroscopic knee surgery in August. As an undersized, left-footed playmaker, he’s inevitably been compared to Lionel Messi. While that’s an impossible label to live up to, Guler, who nearly joined Barcelona before Real Madrid snatched him away from their rivals, has flashed some sensational skills in training that have his teammates and manager raving. – Gianluca Nesci

Rasmus Hojlund ??

Club: Manchester United | Age: 20 | Position: Striker

It’s been a rough start to life at Manchester United for Hojlund. He wasn’t to blame for his new side’s miserable early Champions League exit after logging five goals over six group-stage outings. And while his return of just one Premier League goal is pitiful, the fact that he’s attempted fewer shots than Brighton’s Lewis Dunk and Everton’s Arnaut Danjuma (who’s started three matches) hints that he’s primarily suffering due to team-wide issues. Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho (who made our 2023 list), and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo give United hope for the future. – Rouse

Karim Konate ??

Club: Red Bull Salzburg | Age: 19 | Position: Striker

Nobody has scored more goals in the Austrian Bundesliga this season than Konate, who looks like the latest burgeoning star to come out of the vaunted pipeline at Red Bull’s conglomerate of clubs. Despite his age, the Ivorian has already become a permanent fixture of his senior national team and will be one of the most intriguing young players to watch at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. It won’t be long before he makes the jump to one of Europe’s top leagues, perhaps even following in the footsteps of compatriot Simon Adingra, the electrifying winger turning heads at Brighton. – Nesci

Ethan Mbappe ??

Club: Paris Saint-Germain | Age: 17 | Position: Midfielder

With the future of his elder brother shrouded in uncertainty, Ethan Mbappe could soon be carrying the entire weight of his esteemed family name at Paris Saint-Germain. Living up to that standard could be an overwhelming burden; Kylian, a larger-than-life figure in France, is the club’s all-time leading scorer. But Ethan, who made his Ligue 1 debut last month prior to his 17th birthday, has the backing of manager Luis Enrique, who hailed the precocious midfielder’s quality after his brief cameo against Metz. PSG’s change in tack and focus on promoting young players bodes well for Mbappe. – Nesci

Murillo ??

Club: Nottingham Forest | Age: 21 | Position: Center-back

Forest bought over 40 players across three transfer windows before business reopened in January, and Murillo might be the best value of them all. Signed for £10.3 million from Corinthians last August, Murillo has all the physical traits you’d expect from an uncompromising South American defender – the kind that Diego Simeone loves in his Atletico Madrid backline – but he also boasts explosive pace, a willingness to carry the ball upfield, and the ability to ping accurate, long-range passes toward the attackers. Incredibly, Murillo only made his senior club debut in April 2023. – Rouse

Vitor Roque ??

Club: Barcelona | Age: 18 | Position: Forward

Barcelona are following Real Madrid’s blueprint with the signing of one of Brazil’s most promising teenagers. Madrid struck gold with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo and hope to do the same with Endrick. Barca, meanwhile, see the future in Vitor Roque, who has considerable technique despite being a bully in the penalty area. He has experience, too. He played in the Copa Libertadores final with Athletico Paranaense and ended the most recent Brazilian Serie A season as one of the top scorers. Cash-strapped Barca need all the help they can get up front, with Robert Lewandowski in and out of the lineup, Ferran Torres struggling for consistency, and Joao Felix prone to cold spells. – Lopopolo

Giorgio Scalvini ??

Club: Atalanta | Age: 20 | Position: Center-back

Scalvini is an old-school defender with incredible aerial ability. But he isn’t as static as his 6-foot-4 frame makes him seem. Scalvini, named Italy’s best Under-21 player in November, plays like Giorgio Chiellini but with the feet of Leonardo Bonucci. He likes to dribble but also enjoys a good tackle. You’re just as likely to see Scalvini heading a ball clear as you are to see him carrying the ball forward. What’s most impressive is his experience. He’s already made seven appearances for the Italian national team and 75 in all competitions for Atalanta since making his senior debut in October 2021. – Lopopolo

Alex Scott ?gbeng

Club: Bournemouth | Age: 20 | Position: Midfielder

Scott’s impact in the Premier League was hindered by a troublesome knee injury, but he’s ready to kick on in 2024. He built his reputation with second-tier Bristol City mostly through his brilliance on the ball – his meticulous dribbling and knack for finding space earned him the “Guernsey Grealish” nickname – but his maturity and intelligence allow him to flourish in roles that aren’t natural to him. “He understands the pressure. He understands everything,” Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said after Scott anchored the midfield in October for his first full competitive outing in almost six months. – Rouse

Antonio Silva ??

Club: Benfica | Age: 21 | Position: Center-back

There’ll be no shortage of interest if Benfica’s talented crop of youngsters live up to expectations. There’s already a ton of hype surrounding midfielder Joao Neves, 19, but Silva may be the safest bet to succeed out of the two Benfica starlets. The center-back has firmly established himself in the first team, partnering with Nicolas Otamendi to limit opponents to seven goals in 13 Liga NOS games together. Along with his reputation as one of Portugal’s best tacklers, Silva’s discipline with the ball and ability to score separate him from his peers. – Brunt

Xavi Simons ??

Club: RB Leipzig | Age: 20 | Position: Attacking midfielder

Simons has always bet on himself. After making a name for himself at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, the Amsterdam-born midfielder left for Paris Saint-Germain, but minutes were sparse, and a move to PSV Eindhoven soon followed. His playmaking ability wowed the Eredivisie – he finished as joint-top scorer with 19 goals and nine assists in 34 matches last season – and it convinced PSG to buy him back. Now 20 years old and on loan at RB Leipzig, Simons is again shining bright. He draws fouls often, takes on defenders with reckless abandon, and combines incredibly well with teammates, making him one of the most entertaining watches in Europe. – Lopopolo

Mathys Tel ??

Club: Bayern Munich | Age: 18 | Position: Forward

Starting opportunities will always be scant when you’re competing for playing time with Harry Kane, but luckily for Tel, he’s proved capable of thriving in a variety of attacking positions early in his career. The Frenchman is making the most of his opportunities, too. Among those with at least 10 Bundesliga appearances on the season, his strike rate of 1.27 goals per 90 minutes is third behind only Serhou Guirassy and Kane. Former Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann said he envisions Tel bagging 40 goals in a campaign at some point, a feat only Robert Lewandowski and Gerd Muller have ever accomplished in Germany’s top flight. – Nesci

Destiny Udogie ??

Club: Tottenham Hotspur | Age: 21 | Position: Left-back

The hype surrounding Udogie reached another stratosphere after September’s north London derby. The Italian full-back picked up an early yellow card and Bukayo Saka was relishing the heated atmosphere, but Udogie grew into the game, waiting for the Arsenal winger to take a touch before engaging with him, and was arguably the winner of their thrilling duel once the final whistle sounded. He dealt with the occasion with the composure of an experienced Premier League campaigner while showcasing the explosiveness and strength that’s endeared him to so many fans. – Rouse

Arthur Vermeeren ??

Club: Royal Antwerp | Age: 18 | Position: Midfielder

It’s safe to say Royal Antwerp trust Vermeeren. The midfielder had more game time than any other outfield player in Belgium’s top flight (3,755 minutes) in 2023, and he was ever-present during Antwerp’s six Champions League group-stage outings this season. He was even named captain against FC Porto. Although some have expressed reservations about his supposed lack of strength, his eagerness to collect the ball from the base of the lineup and produce line-breaking passes has led to links to numerous European clubs in recent months. – Rouse

Lamine Yamal ??

Club: Barcelona | Age: 16 | Position: Winger

The latest gem from Barcelona’s La Masia may end up being the brightest to emerge from the revered youth academy in some time. Hailed by coach Xavi as a player with the potential to “define an era,” the hype around Yamal has eclipsed the buzz around other recent distinguished graduates, like Pedri and Gavi, and with good reason, as the teenager has passed every test since making his historic senior debut at the age of 15. While it’s far too soon to compare Yamal, still just 16, to a certain La Masia graduate of Argentine descent, the skillful Spanish winger is well on his way to enjoying a distinguished Barcelona career. – Brunt

Kenan Yildiz ??

Club: Juventus | Age: 18 | Position: Forward, attacking midfielder

Juventus moved quickly in 2022 when it became apparent that Yildiz wouldn’t renew his contract with Bayern Munich. The Italian club sensed that being proactive would pay dividends in the future. As it turns out, they didn’t have to wait very long. Yildiz, 18, became the youngest foreign scorer in Juve history last month, finding the net in his first start for the club. Surrounded by three defenders and with seemingly nowhere to go, he cut through them and unleashed a wicked low shot into the bottom corner, showcasing the inventiveness, skill, and confidence that have so many, including Max Allegri, touting the prodigious Turkish international as a future star. – Nesci

Warren Zaire-Emery ??

Club: Paris Saint-Germain | Age: 17 | Position: Midfielder

Zaire-Emery’s composure and ability to control games should help soften the blow if Mbappe leaves PSG. At just 17, the midfielder has already proved he’s worthy of a spot in PSG’s first team, scoring twice in 14 Ligue 1 appearances this season, while catching the eye of France head coach Didier Deschamps. Although an injury while scoring his first goal for France briefly disrupted his breakout campaign, Zaire-Emery continued to dominate from the middle of the pitch upon his return, giving PSG fans hope for the future regardless of what happens with Mbappe. – Brunt

The Week 18 NFL schedule for the 2023 season is stacked with great matchups, and we’ve got you covered with what you need to know heading into the weekend. Our NFL Nation reporters bring us the biggest keys to every game and a bold prediction for each matchup.

Additionally, ESPN Stats & Information provides a big stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest, and our Football Power Index (FPI) goes inside the numbers with a game projection and a look at the playoff picture. Analytics writer Seth Walder picks out each matchup’s biggest X factor, and fantasy analyst Eric Moody hands out helpful fantasy football intel. Finally, Walder and Moody give us final score picks for every game. Everything you want to know is here in one spot to help you get ready for a loaded weekend of NFL football.

Let’s get into the full Week 18 slate, including the Colts and Texans in a Saturday night battle for a playoff berth and the Jaguars, Buccaneers and Cowboys all hoping to wrap up division titles Sunday afternoon. It all culminates with a Sunday night matchup between the Bills and Dolphins for the AFC East title. (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted, and all playoff chance percentages are via the FPI.)

Jump to a matchup:
PIT-BAL | HOU-IND | CLE-CIN
MIN-DET | JAX-TEN | ATL-NO
TB-CAR | NYJ-NE | CHI-GB
PHI-NYG | DAL-WSH | SEA-ARI
LAR-SF | KC-LAC | DEN-LV | BUF-MIA

4:30 p.m. ET, Saturday | ESPN | Spread: PIT -4 (35.5)

Storyline to watch: The Steelers have beaten the Ravens three straight times in Baltimore, winning by a total of 10 points. The last time Baltimore won at home against Pittsburgh was the 2019 regular-season finale, when the Ravens had already wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the AFC and rested quarterback Lamar Jackson. With the Ravens clinching the AFC’s top spot in Week 17, Jackson is sitting out this game, too. — Jamison Hensley

Bold prediction: Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick gets his first interception of the season. Fitzpatrick recently returned to practice after injuring his knee against the Colts in Week 15, but his availability is less in question against the Ravens than it’s been the past two weeks. Tyler Huntley, starting at quarterback for the Ravens in place of the resting Jackson, has thrown one touchdown pass to three interceptions in three games against the Steelers. For the first time in his career, Fitzpatrick is on the verge of an interception-less season. He beats the buzzer by snagging one off Huntley in a crucial finale. — Brooke Pryor

Stat to know: The Steelers are 6-1 vs. the Ravens since 2020 (3-0 vs. Jackson, 3-1 vs. all other QBs).

Matchup X factor: How many players Baltimore rests. On paper, of course, the Ravens are the much better team. But with the No. 1 seed locked up, the Ravens will rest Jackson and likely many other key players and coast through Week 18. How much they do will dramatically impact Pittsburgh’s chances. — Walder

What’s at stake: The Ravens are locked into the No. 1 seed in the AFC, but the Steelers still have a lot on the line. They can clinch a playoff berth with a win and then either a Jaguars loss, Bills loss or a Texans-Colts tie. But they can also get in if they lose to Baltimore. Pittsburgh would then need a Broncos win, Jaguars loss and anything but a tie in Texans-Colts. ESPN’s FPI says Pittsburgh has a 22% chance. Read more.

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Mina challenges Stephen A. on his Lamar-Ravens take

Stephen A. Smith and Mina Kimes aren’t on the same page regarding the difficult path Lamar Jackson and the Ravens must travel to reach the Super Bowl.

Injuries: Steelers | Ravens

What to know for fantasy: Look for the Ravens to have some unlikely fantasy contributors. Running back Melvin Gordon III, who had six touches in Week 17 against Miami, might play a larger role this week behind Justice Hill, who finished with eight touches and 22.2 fantasy points last week. Considering that the Ravens lead the league with 32.3 rushing attempts per game, both Hill and Gordon could be big factors with Jackson sitting out. As for the Steelers, wide receiver George Pickens has caught 11 of 15 targets for 326 receiving yards the past two weeks since Mason Rudolph assumed the starting quarterback role. See Week 18 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Steelers are 4-1 ATS in division games this season and 15-8 ATS since 2020. Read more.

Moody’s pick: Steelers 24, Ravens 20
Walder’s pick: Steelers 22, Ravens 13
FPI prediction: BAL, 78.9% (by an average of 10.6 points)

Matchup must-reads: Pickett denies rumors he refused to be Steelers’ QB2 Sunday … Ravens to sit MVP favorite Jackson against Steelers … Steelers’ rejuvenated offense keeps them in playoff picture

8:15 p.m. ET, Saturday | ESPN | Spread: HOU -1.5 (47.5)

Storyline to watch: The stakes in this year’s game between these teams could not be more different from those in last season’s finale. The No. 1 overall pick in the draft was on the line in Week 18 in the 2022 season, with the Colts losing and knocking Houston into the No. 2 choice. This season, the winner of this game goes to the playoffs and wildly accelerates its rebuilding effort ahead of 2024. — Stephen Holder

Bold prediction: The Texans will win by more than 10 points as quarterback C.J. Stroud will throw for more than 350 yards. The Texans are a completely different team than the one that faced the Colts in Week 2, and in that matchup, Stroud threw for 384 yards. The Colts lean on running the ball, and the Texans have the third-best run defense in the NFL. Once they stop the run, the Texans will run away with it. — DJ Bien-Aime

Stat to know: The Colts allow the third-highest completion percentage on throws 20-plus yards downfield (46%). Stroud has the second-highest QBR (99), third-highest completion percentage (57.1%), five passing touchdowns and zero interceptions on such throws.

Matchup X factor: Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. He’s making a late Defensive Rookie of the Year push with 2.0 sacks last week. He now has a 26% pass rush win rate, which ranks third among all edge rushers. — Walder

What’s at stake: The winner of this game makes the playoffs. And if the Jaguars lose on Sunday, the winner would also clinch the AFC South. But the loser of this game will be eliminated from the postseason. Read more.

Injuries: Texans | Colts

What to know for fantasy: The Texans will continue to rely heavily on Stroud and the passing game. This season, he has averaged 33.8 pass attempts and 18.6 fantasy points per game. Also, the Colts’ defense relies heavily on Cover 3, which Stroud has had great success against. See Week 18 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Colts are 5-1 ATS as favorites this season. The Texans are 4-1 ATS as road underdogs this season with four straight covers. Read more.

Moody’s pick: Texans 31, Colts 23
Walder’s pick: Texans 30, Colts 16
FPI prediction: IND, 51.6% (by an average of 0.6 points)

Matchup must-reads: Texans’ playoff path can be easy: Win and you’re in … Colts’ season comes down to one game vs. Texans

1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: CIN -7 (37)

Storyline to watch: The Bengals are looking to avoid going winless in divisional play for the fourth time in franchise history. The game will also feature a familiar face in Browns quarterback Jeff Driskel, who will start in place of Joe Flacco and is the fifth quarterback to start a game this season for Cleveland. Driskel was with the Bengals early in his career. He started five games for Cincinnati in 2018 and was in training camp with the Bengals in 2019, coach Zac Taylor’s first season. — Ben Baby

Bold prediction: Both teams will have players score their first offensive touchdowns of the season. For the Browns, that could be wide receivers Marquise Goodwin or Cedric Tillman, or tight end Jordan Akins; for the Bengals, running back Trayveon Williams, wide receiver Charlie Jones or tight end Mitchell Wilcox are the prime candidates. — Jake Trotter

Stat to know: The Browns are 9-2 vs. the Bengals since the start of 2018, their best record against any team over that span (minimum of three games).

Editor’s Picks

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Matchup X factor: Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. He is quietly tied for the league lead in sacks with 17.0. He could end up the league leader for the season if he racks up one or two more against a Browns team that is locked into the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs. — Walder

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Injuries: Jets | Patriots

What to know for fantasy: Jets running back Breece Hall has had 20 or more touches and scored 27 or more fantasy points in two consecutive games, but he has a difficult matchup against the Patriots in Week 18. This season, New England has been able to contain every running game it has faced, allowing the second-fewest rushing yards per game and the fewest rushing yards per attempt. See Week 18 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Jets are 0-6 ATS against teams currently with losing records this season. Read more.

Moody’s pick: Patriots 23, Jets 13
Walder’s pick: Jets 12, Patriots 9
FPI prediction: NE, 54.2% (by an average of 1.5 points)

Matchup must-reads: Jets would love to send Belichick off with loss … Belichick focused on Jets, not job security … Wilson ruled out for finale, perhaps ending time with Jets

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4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: GB -3 (45.5)

Storyline to watch: Aaron Jones could do something that no Packers player has ever done: Rush for 120 or more yards in three straight games. After Green Bay had not had a 100-yard rusher all season, Jones went for 127 against Carolina and 120 against the Vikings in his first two games back from a knee injury. However, the Bears have the NFL’s No. 1 rushing defense in terms of fewest yards allowed per game (84.0). — Rob Demovsky

Bold prediction: The Bears will play spoiler to Green Bay’s playoff hopes and beat the Packers for the first time since 2018. Chicago’s defense, which has held opponents to fewer than 20 points in five straight games, finishes off its second-half surge by forcing Jordan Love to throw two interceptions, the quarterback’s first game with multiple picks since Week 10. — Courtney Cronin

Stat to know: Bears wide receiver DJ Moore has 1,300 receiving yards this season, the fifth most in franchise history. He is two receiving yards shy of passing Jeff Graham in 1995 for fourth and 101 receiving yards shy of passing Marcus Robinson in 1999 for third.

Matchup X factor: Packers right tackle Zach Tom. He’ll be responsible for stopping Bears defensive end Montez Sweat, but his numbers suggest he’s up for the challenge: Tom ranks 18th out of 69 tackles in pass block win rate this season. — Walder

What’s at stake: The Packers will make the playoffs with a win. But even if the Bears beat the Packers, Green Bay can still slide into the postseason with losses from Minnesota and Seattle, and either New Orleans or Tampa Bay. Read more.

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Why the Bears should move on from Justin Fields

Damien Woody and Bart Scott lay out the reasons why the Chicago Bears need to move on from Justin Fields and target a new QB in the NFL draft.

Injuries: Bears | Packers

What to know for fantasy: Jones has had 17 or more touches and 11 or more fantasy points in three consecutive games. The Bears’ defense has given up the ninth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. In his past five games against the Bears, Jones has averaged 22.2 fantasy points. See Week 18 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Bears have covered five straight conference games. Read more.

Moody’s pick: Packers 30, Bears 27
Walder’s pick: Packers 27, Bears 20
FPI prediction: GB, 57.3% (by an average of 2.5 points)

Matchup must-reads: Fields, the Bears and a quarterback conundrum … Why Love has millions on the line vs. Bears … Alexander ‘surprised’ by coin-toss suspension

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4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: PHI -5 (42.5)

Storyline to watch: The Eagles, who set a franchise record last season with 70 sacks, have just 11 in their past seven games. They had just one two weeks ago against the Giants, who have allowed an NFL-high 83 sacks, 20 more than any other team. So something has to give. — Jordan Raanan

Bold prediction: Giants receiver Darius Slayton will go for 100-plus yards for a second straight week. The Eagles are coming off one of the worst defensive performances of the 2023 season, yielding 35 points and 221 rushing yards to the 4-12 Cardinals. With Philadelphia keying on running back Saquon Barkley, Slayton has a chance to best the three-catch, 90-yard performance against the Eagles in Week 16. — Tim McManus

Stat to know: With a loss, the Giants would have 12 losses for the fourth time in the past seven seasons. That would tie the Texans for the most since 2017.

Matchup X factor: Eagles edge rusher Haason Reddick. He has an opportunity for a big game going against Matt Peart, who likely will step in at right tackle with both Evan Neal and Tyre Phillips injured for the Giants. Reddick hasn’t recorded a sack since Week 13, but the Eagles could use a pass-rush spark. — Walder

What’s at stake: The Eagles have a playoff spot, but they need a win and a Cowboys loss to take the NFC East title. The Giants, meanwhile, have an 85% chance at a top-five draft pick. Read more.

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Woody: Eagles are looking like a ‘one-and-done’ playoff team

Damien Woody and Bart Scott explain why the Eagles have lost their way after reaching the Super Bowl last season.

Injuries: Eagles | Giants

What to know for fantasy: The Eagles’ defense gives up the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Slayton has had six or more targets in two of his past three games. Also, he has scored 18 or more fantasy points in two of them. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor is also in a good spot against an Eagles defense that has given up the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. He finished with 18.7 fantasy points last week against the Rams. See Week 18 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Eagles are 1-6 ATS after an outright loss over the past two seasons, with six of the seven games going under the total. The Giants have covered three straight following outright losses. Read more.

Moody’s pick: Eagles 28, Giants 17
Walder’s pick: Eagles 27, Giants 13
FPI prediction: PHI, 83.9% (by an average of 13.1 points)

Matchup must-reads: Brown insists he is not beefing with Sirianni … Several Giants could be playing their final game in New York … Barkley wants new deal with Giants, but ‘it’s out of my control’

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4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Spread: DAL -13 (46.5)

Storyline to watch: Washington quarterback Sam Howell built momentum for this season with a strong season finale showing in a win vs. Dallas in 2022. But doing it for a second consecutive year will be difficult. He has thrown 10 interceptions and three touchdown passes in the past six games. Washington’s pass protection has been good lately: Howell has been sacked only three times in the past three games. However, Dallas sacked him four times in their previous meeting; Micah Parsons had 1.5 sacks in that game and has 13 for the season. He has five sacks in five career games vs. Washington. — John Keim

Bold prediction: Cowboys running back Tony Pollard will reach the 1,000-yard mark for the season. He needs 65 yards, a number he has not topped in the past four games. He has just one 100-yard game on the season (Week 3 at Arizona), and the run game has been stuck for a good portion of the season. But in its past four games Washington has allowed 166.8 yards per game on the ground. — Todd Archer

Stat to know: Terry McLaurin needs 54 receiving yards to become the first player in Washington franchise history with four straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons. McLaurin has averaged 52.9 receiving yards per game in his previous eight matchups against Dallas.

Matchup X factor: Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland. He has been high-risk and high-reward with both eight picks and a higher-than-average 1.6 yards per coverage snap allowed. The thing is: Dallas doesn’t need risks in this game. The Cowboys should beat the Commanders handily … as long as they don’t surrender big plays. — Walder

What’s at stake: The Cowboys are in the playoffs and in the driver’s seat for the NFC East. Win, and it’s a division title for Dallas. But even if the Cowboys lose, they can still win the division if the Eagles also lose. The Commanders, meanwhile, have a good chance to pick No. 2 overall in the draft, and they are locked into a top-five pick. Read more.

Injuries: Cowboys | Commanders

What to know for fantasy: The Commanders’ defense gives up the second-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and the second-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season. CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott and Brandin Cooks belong in all lineups. See Week 18 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Commanders are 1-6 ATS at home this season. Read more.

Moody’s pick: Cowboys 35, Commanders 13
Walder’s pick: Cowboys 30, Commanders 20
FPI prediction: DAL, 84.6% (by an average of 13.4 points)

Matchup must-reads: Questions linger for ‘battle-tested’ Cowboys ahead of playoffs … Howell to start in finale vs. Cowboys

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4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Spread: SEA -2.5 (47.5)

Storyline to watch: Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has been playing his best football of the season as of late, including a nearly perfect second half last week in Philadelphia. He will take his best performance of the season into this weekend when he faces a Seahawks team that has lost five of its past seven. Seattle has allowed just one 300-yard passer since Week 10, so while Murray might not be able to hit the mark this week, he can still affect the game in other ways. — Josh Weinfuss

Bold prediction: Arizona will run the ball 40-plus times. The Cardinals upset the Eagles last week by rushing 40 times for 221 yards. They’ll stick with that formula against a Seahawks defense that has allowed the third-most rushing yards of any team this season, including 202 in a loss last week to Pittsburgh. — Brady Henderson

Stat to know: Pete Carroll is seeking his 13th career playoff berth as head coach, which would tie Marty Schottenheimer for sixth most of all time.

Matchup X factor: Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett. We’ve written about him in this spot before, but his 2023 has been pedestrian — just 1.6 yards per route run — and that has hurt Seattle’s offense. The Seahawks could use some Lockett of old in Week 18 and in the playoffs, if they get there. — Walder

What’s at stake: The Seahawks would make the playoffs if they win and get a Packers loss (27% likely). And the Cardinals have a 69% chance at a top-five draft pick. Read more.

What to know for the 2024 NFL draft

• Mocks:

4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Spread: SF -4 (40.5)

Storyline to watch: Both teams have wrapped up playoff spots, with the Niners cemented as the NFC’s top seed and the Rams able to do no better than No. 6. In other words, neither team has much to play for here, which means neither starting quarterback will play and it’s unlikely the main starters for both teams will play all four quarters. San Francisco has won 12 straight games against NFC West opponents, tied for the franchise’s longest streak since the 1970 merger. But the Niners will gladly trade that streak for better health come playoff time. The Rams are in a similar state of mind, even without a streak to extend. — Nick Wagoner

Bold prediction: The Rams will win, ending the 49ers’ nine-game regular-season winning streak against Los Angeles. Yes, both teams will be without several starters, but the Rams still have the No. 6 seed to play for. This game will also mark the first Rams start for Carson Wentz, whom Los Angeles picked up on Nov. 7, so he’ll be inspired against a 49ers defense that could rest several players. — Sarah Barshop

Stat to know: The 49ers have been favored in 25 straight regular-season games, the second-longest active streak in the NFL (Chiefs: 27 straight).

Matchup X factor: Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. He switches sides throughout a game, but against the right side of San Francisco’s line — which is much weaker than its left side — Donald should be able to dominate in however many snaps he plays. — Walder

What’s at stake: Both teams are in, and neither has much to play for. The Niners will be the top seed in the NFC, while the Rams will be either the No. 6 or No. 7 seed. Read more.

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Scott: Rams, not Cowboys, are most dangerous NFC playoff team

Bart Scott and Damien Woody think Matthew Stafford and the Rams are more dangerous than Dak Prescott and the Cowboys.

Injuries: Rams | 49ers

What to know for fantasy: Expect Rams receiver Demarcus Robinson to have a greater role against the 49ers than he usually does. Cooper Kupp won’t play in Week 18, and rookie Puka Nacua will likely follow suit after he breaks the NFL rookie records for receptions (he’s four away) and receiving yards (he’s 10 off). With the Rams’ top two targets resting for large parts of Sunday’s game, Robinson should profit. See Week 18 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Since 2020, the 49ers are 6-1 ATS against the Rams. Read more.

Moody’s pick: Rams 34, 49ers 31
Walder’s pick: Rams 26, 49ers 22
FPI prediction: SF, 68.6% (by an average of 6.4 points)

Matchup must-reads: Rookies Turner, Young could be the future of Rams’ defense … 49ers weigh risks of resting starters in finale … Purdy sets 49ers’ passing yards record in bounce-back game

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4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: LAC -3.5 (35.5)

Storyline to watch: The Chargers have lost seven of their past nine games to Kansas City, including their Week 7 game this year, when Patrick Mahomes completed 20 of 23 passes for 321 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. But the Chiefs are resting Mahomes and other starters Sunday, so Chargers interim head coach Giff Smith will have a better shot at securing his first win and the Chargers’ first over the Chiefs since 2021. — Kris Rhim

Bold prediction: Harrison Butker and Cameron Dicker will kick eight field goals between them. They combined for nine field goals last week in their respective games, Butker with six for the Chiefs and Dicker with three for the Chargers. Both teams will start backups at quarterback, Blaine Gabbert for the Chiefs and Easton Stick for the Chargers, so red zone production could be a problem no matter which side has the ball. — Adam Teicher

Stat to know: The Chiefs are 3-2 vs. AFC West opponents this season. They have not finished .500 or worse in divisional games in a season since 2014 (3-3, .500), which was Andy Reid’s second season as coach.

Matchup X factor: Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston. There’s nothing at stake here for either team (well, the Chargers’ draft position is) but at least they can get another look at Johnston, who has had a disappointing rookie season. — Walder

What’s at stake: The Chiefs will be the No. 3 seed in the playoffs as the AFC West champion, no matter what. So perhaps more eyes will be on the Chargers, who still have a 28% chance to land a top-five draft pick. Read more.

Injuries: Chiefs | Chargers

What to know for fantasy: The Chiefs recently signed running back La’Mical Perine to their roster. With Kansas City expected to rest some of its starters, which could include running backs Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Perine could have a sneaky-good matchup against a Chargers defense that gives up the 11th-most fantasy points per game to running backs. See Week 18 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Chargers are 0-5 ATS in division games this season. Read more.

Moody’s pick: Chiefs 27, Chargers 24
Walder’s pick: Chiefs 23, Chargers 16
FPI prediction: KC, 50.9% (by an average of 0.3 points)

Matchup must-reads: Chiefs to rest Mahomes, start Gabbert vs. Chargers … Moore among top coordinators in NFLPA survey

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4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | Spread: LV -3 (37.5)

Storyline to watch: For two years straight now, Jarrett Stidham has unseated a franchise quarterback with two games to go in the regular season. Last season, it was the Raiders and Derek Carr, who, rather than stick around and support Stidham from the sidelines as a captain, left the team. This year, it’s the Broncos and Russell Wilson, who stayed with Denver and, as a captain, swallowed his pride and went to midfield for last week’s opening coin toss. “We’re excited to see Stidham,” said Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce. “We want to see him up close and personal. [Especially edge rusher] Maxx Crosby.” — Paul Gutierrez

Bold prediction: In his last chance to make the first impression in the Broncos’ 2024 quarterback debate, Stidham will throw two touchdown passes. Since Pierce was named interim coach eight games ago, the Raiders’ pass defense has been stingy, as only Tua Tagovailoa, Patrick Mahomes and Easton Stick have reached the two-touchdown pass mark in eight games. If Stidham can turn some of the dump-offs last week into more work intermediate and deep, he’ll crack Las Vegas’ defense for two touchdown throws. — Jeff Legwold

Stat to know: Pierce is 4-4 since being named interim coach in Week 9. The Raiders have allowed a league-low 16.3 points per game under Pierce (3-5 and ranked 22nd in PPG allowed through Week 8).

Matchup X factor: Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II. Both teams are out of the playoff race, but we’ll at least get to see Surtain take on Raiders All-Pro receiver Davante Adams. — Walder

What’s at stake: Neither team is in the playoff picture, and Las Vegas has a 38% chance to grab a top-10 draft pick. Read more.

Best of NFL Nation

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8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Spread: BUF -3 (48.5)

Storyline to watch: The Dolphins don’t expect cornerback Xavien Howard to play Sunday against the Bills, but defensive coordinator Vic Fangio wouldn’t reveal whether he would have Pro Bowl CB Jalen Ramsey shadow Bills WR Stefon Diggs — who torched Miami for 120 yards and three touchdowns in Week 4 — or have him match up with multiple receivers. Considering Eli Apple’s struggles against Baltimore in Week 17 (three catches, 104 yards and a touchdown allowed in coverage), where Ramsey lines up will be something to watch. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Bold prediction: Diggs will have his first 100-yard receiving game since Week 6 and catch multiple touchdown passes for the second time this season. The production between Diggs and quarterback Josh Allen just hasn’t been consistent for a significant portion of the season, but with the Dolphins’ secondary in a state of flux due to injuries, Diggs will have one of his biggest outings of the year at a time when the Bills really need it. — Alaina Getzenberg

Stat to know: Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa enters Week 18 leading the NFL in completion rate (69.6%) and passing yards (4,451). Tagovailoa is looking to become the eighth QB since the 1970 merger to lead the NFL in both completion rate and passing yards and the first since Drew Brees in 2011.

Matchup X factor: Allen. By his own admission he played poorly in Week 17. Buffalo needs him at his best against the Dolphins. If they get it, the Bills will have a great shot at the AFC East crown. — Walder

What’s at stake: Winner takes the AFC East and the conference’s No. 2 seed. But while Miami is in no matter what, Buffalo could miss the playoffs if it loses. To make the playoffs in that scenario, it would need either a Jaguars loss, a Steelers loss or a Texans-Colts tie. Read more.

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McAfee and crew react to Pro Bowl snubs

Pat McAfee and crew react to some notable exclusions from the NFL’s Pro Bowl rosters.

Injuries: Bills | Dolphins

What to know for fantasy: In the past three games, the Bills’ defense has given up the second-fewest passing yards per game, so Tagovailoa could struggle. He hasn’t scored 20 fantasy points in a game since a Week 8 win over the Patriots. See Week 18 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Dolphins are 1-4 ATS this season against teams currently with winning records. Read more.

Moody’s pick: Bills 31, Dolphins 27
Walder’s pick: Dolphins 27, Bills 21
FPI prediction: BUF, 54.3% (by an average of 1.5 points)

Matchup must-reads: What will decide Bills’ fate in huge matchup with Dolphins? … Dolphins need to regroup for AFC East showdown vs. Bills … Child with lighter started fire at Hill’s home