For the first time in a long while, fans will not be treated to a Monday night football game. The regular season has concluded, setting the stage for an intense playoff competition. With 18 teams now on hiatus, excitement builds for the remaining contenders. The league will soon narrow down from 14 teams to eight by next week, ensuring that "Monday Night Football" will return shortly after this brief intermission. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming playoffs and the conclusion of Week 18.

A New Era Begins: Super Wild Card Weekend

The NFL's regular season has come to an end, marking the start of a new phase. This transition period sees the league focusing on the playoffs, where only the strongest teams will advance. Super Wild Card Weekend kicks off this Saturday, with 14 teams vying for supremacy. As the playoff picture solidifies, anticipation grows for the thrilling matches ahead.

The final slate of regular-season games was played over the weekend, concluding with no Monday night fixture. Teams have been preparing for the playoffs, and the atmosphere is charged with optimism. For some organizations, hopes are at an all-time high as they gear up for the challenges that lie ahead. The absence of a Monday night game this week signifies the league's shift towards the postseason, where every match holds significant weight. Fans can expect intense competition as teams fight for their place in NFL history.

Returning Soon: Monday Night Football in the Playoffs

While there won't be a Monday night game this week, fans need not worry. The excitement will resume next Monday, January 13th, when "Monday Night Football" returns for the opening round of the playoffs. This highly anticipated event will feature two wildcard matchups, promising thrilling action and nail-biting finishes.

The playoffs bring a different level of intensity, and "Monday Night Football" will play a crucial role in showcasing these pivotal games. Looking back, the regular season featured numerous memorable moments across 17 weeks. From Week 1, where the San Francisco 49ers dominated the New York Jets, to Week 17, where the Detroit Lions narrowly edged out the San Francisco 49ers, each Monday night brought its own drama. Now, as the league enters the playoff phase, fans can look forward to even more unforgettable performances. The return of "Monday Night Football" signals the beginning of an exciting playoff journey, where every game counts and the stakes are higher than ever before.