The 2024 NFL regular season is approaching its climax, and with it comes a revised football schedule. The absence of "Thursday Night Football" this week marks a significant change, as these games were only scheduled through Week 17. The last "Thursday Night Football" game was played on December 26 between the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears. This article delves into why there are no Thursday night games in the final week and provides an overview of the upcoming matches for Week 18.

Understanding the Absence of Thursday Night Games

In the concluding week of the NFL regular season, fans may notice the absence of their weekly Thursday night fix. The league does not schedule these games during the final week due to playoff implications. Playing on a Thursday could create an uneven playing field for teams heading into the postseason. Thus, the decision to omit these games ensures fair competition for all teams involved.

It's important to clarify that "Thursday Night Football" wasn't canceled but rather concluded as planned. Amazon Prime Video, which has been the exclusive host for the third consecutive year, wrapped up its broadcasts with the Seattle Seahawks versus Chicago Bears match. This strategic scheduling allows teams to prepare adequately for the crucial playoff matches without any unfair advantages or disadvantages.

Schedule Highlights for Week 18

The focus now shifts to the remaining games, which will determine the final standings and playoff seeds. Two games are set for Saturday, January 5, followed by a full slate of contests on Sunday, January 6. Fans can look forward to exciting matchups that will shape the postseason landscape.

On Saturday, the Cleveland Browns will face off against the Baltimore Ravens at 4:30 PM Eastern time, while the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8 PM. Sunday brings a packed lineup of games starting at 1 PM Eastern time, including notable matchups like the Carolina Panthers versus the Atlanta Falcons, the Washington Commanders against the Dallas Cowboys, and the San Francisco 49ers versus the Arizona Cardinals at 4:25 PM. Additionally, the Minnesota Vikings will play the Detroit Lions in a late-night game at 8:20 PM. Each game holds significance in determining playoff positioning and team momentum heading into the postseason.