As the 2025 NFL regular season reaches its thrilling conclusion, both fans and teams are preparing for an action-packed final week. With two games scheduled for Saturday and a full roster of 14 matchups on Sunday, the stakes are high, particularly for teams still vying for playoff positions or draft positioning.
As is customary during the last week of the season, injury reports are critical, with many teams choosing to rest key players. The situation varies across the league, affecting strategies, lineups, and ultimately, game outcomes.
In the Saturday games, the Panthers will face the Buccaneers, with defensive issues looming for Carolina. The absence of players like Wharton and Cherelus could severely impact their performance. Tampa Bay may struggle to cover the burgeoning threat of Tetairoa McMillan due to Dean’s absence, although Kancey could make a return after a full practice on Thursday.
In the matchup between the Seahawks and 49ers, the impact of injuries is also significant. Seattle’s offensive line may suffer if Cross is unable to play, while San Francisco could see the return of star tight end George Kittle. However, the Niners’ success in pass protection could hinge on the availability of White, who is pivotal in their defensive schemes.
Moving to the Saints at Falcons game, New Orleans prepares to play without its leading offensive stars, including a potential absence for defender Davis, which could leave the team vulnerable. Atlanta, on the other hand, could be missing key offensive weapons, with top receivers London and Pitts uncertain for the game.
The Browns are grappling with the loss of two standout rookies and their tight ends, as they prepare to face a depleted Bengals squad. Cincinnati, also struggling with depth issues, may find themselves without Hill for this critical matchup.
In the Colts and Texans clash, Indianapolis has decided to start quarterback Riley Leonard in a move reflecting their playoff exit. Meanwhile, Houston’s defense faces challenges with the absence of a starting cornerback which could be exploitable for the Colts.
The Titans will head into their game against the Jaguars missing critical players on both offense and defense. Conversely, Jacksonville is mostly healthy but will still feel the absence of offensive lineman Mekari.
The Packers and Vikings matchup is intriguing, with Green Bay lacking key contributors and uncertainty surrounding who will line up in quarterback. Minnesota is also facing a tight end and running back loss that could hinder their offensive rhythm.
The Cowboys will be without their primary running backs when they take on the Giants, further complicating their game plan as they also deal with injuries to cornerback and linebacker positions. New York is missing crucial pieces in the secondary, threatening their competitive edge.
As the Jets visit the Bills, they might find themselves down multiple crucial players, including their top running backs and several defensive stalwarts. Buffalo, while set to have Josh Allen cleared for play, faces their own defensive challenges ahead of this must-win matchup.
The Lions are entering their game against the Bears with a host of injuries along their offensive line and potentially without wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Bears remain relatively healthier, although their offensive strategy could be impacted if Odunze is unable to go.
In the showdown between the Chargers and Broncos, Los Angeles has confirmed that quarterback Trey Lance will start in place of the injured Justin Herbert. Meanwhile, both teams are dealing with significant linebacker and cornerback absences that will test their defensive schemes.
Kansas City confronts the Raiders missing a key offensive lineman and potentially more, while Las Vegas struggles with uncertainty at the quarterback position as they determine between Kenny Pickett and Aidan O’Connell.
The Cardinals’ matchup with the Rams sees Arizona largely healthy, although the potential absence of pass rusher Sweat could be a blow to their defense. Los Angeles has stated it will play its healthy starters regardless of the outcome of the previous games, raising questions about their final roster decisions.
In the Dolphins-Patriots game, Miami is grappling with a slew of injuries, particularly in the backfield and offensive line, while New England welcomes some key players back into the fold but still faces defensive concerns.
Finally, the Commanders go into their game against the Eagles without their top two quarterbacks, prompting a reliance on Josh Johnson. Philadelphia, with potential playoff implications on the line, is also managing many injury concerns but remains a formidable opponent.
With playoffs on the horizon and several teams jostling for position, the final week of the NFL regular season promises to deliver high drama and excitement, showcasing the resilience and determination of players and organizations alike. Fans can expect a weekend filled with thrilling matchups, as teams face both their opponents and the challenges of injuries head-on.