NFL Sack Record Set, Playoffs Crystalized in Week 18’s Sunday Games

The NFL regular season concluded with an eventful day on Sunday with a record, a No. 1 seed, and division titles all on the line.

Cameron Thomas (9) and Myles Garrett (95) of the Cleveland Browns warm up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland on Dec. 28, 2025. Jason Miller/Getty Images

All the loose ends of the playoff and division races came together on the final Sunday of the regular season, and Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett set the single-season sack record in a game that had no playoff implications.

Here’s a look at how Sunday’s action unfolded.​

Myles Garrett is a Sack Master

​Garrett didn’t let a bad dream come true as he tallied his NFL single-season record 23rd sack on Sunday in a 20–18 win over the Cincinnati Bengals (6–11).

He mentioned that he had an unpleasant dream on Saturday about not getting the record he had been chasing for weeks.

“I was like, ‘Well, we’ve got to deny fate.’ Whatever it is, we’ve got to make it happen. I just went into it and still had the utmost confidence in myself and my preparation, and in my guys,” Garrett told reporters on Sunday. “Any time I started thinking I was tired or the fatigue setting in, I thought about that dream. I picked my butt up. It was time to go.”​

Broncos Lock Up No. 1 Seed

​The Denver Broncos (14–3) took care of business on Sunday with a 19–3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers (11–6) to secure the top seed in the AFC.

Similar to the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the Seattle Seahawks (14–3), the Broncos did it with a dominating defensive performance. The Broncos allowed 217 yards of total offense, tallied four sacks, and forced two turnovers.

“And now the season truly starts, right?” Broncos cornerback Riley Moss told reporters on Sunday. “You win, or you go home, and so the stakes are high, and we’re going to be ready to roll in two weeks.”​

Steelers Take AFC North

​The Baltimore Ravens’ early 10–0 lead evaporated fast as the Pittsburgh Steelers (10–7) rallied with a big second half to win the AFC North, 26–24.

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Calvin Austin III for a 26–24 lead with 55 seconds remaining. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson then put kicker Tyler Loop in range for a last-second field goal attempt after a 28-yard completion to tight end Isaiah Likely.

Loop missed the field goal wide right as the Ravens’ season ended, and the Steelers marched on to the playoffs.

“The belief level in the locker room after a win like this is exponentially greater,” Rodgers told reporters afterward.​

Patriots Denied No. 1 Seed

​The New England Patriots (14–3) had to take a risk with the No. 1 seed in the AFC on the line in Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins (7–10).

New England played its starters and steamrolled the Dolphins 38–10 behind three touchdowns by running back Rhamondre Stevenson, but the Broncos nixed the Patriots’ No. 1 seed hopes that afternoon. The Patriots won’t get a bye as the No. 2 seed, and New England will have a Chargers team that rested its starters on Sunday.

Sunday’s win capped a dramatic turnaround for the Patriots, who had 4–13 seasons the past two years before head coach Mike Vrabel arrived. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye ascended to MVP candidacy in the process.

“We’ve come a long way,” Maye told reporters afterward. “We’ve built this identity and played to it, and good things happen.”​

Eagles Playing Backups May Pay Off

​The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (11–6) played backups on Sunday and lost a shot at the No. 2 seed with a 24–17 defeat against the Washington Commanders (5–12).

“I knew this was an outcome, that these things could happen,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters afterward. “One thing I could guarantee was giving them rest. I couldn’t guarantee them anything else. Being healthy and going into the playoffs healthy is a big deal for us.”

The Eagles didn’t lose out on a bye week by failing to obtain the No. 2 seed, but Philadelphia may need to go on the road after the first round. In addition, the Eagles get to host a San Francisco 49ers team that had been hot on offense before the Seahawks silenced them on Jan. 3.​

Jaguars Left No Doubt in AFC South

​The Jacksonville Jaguars (13–4) didn’t leave the AFC South title to chance with a 41–7 blowout win over the Tennessee Titans (3–14).

“Today is the biggest game in franchise history because it’s the next one,” coach Liam Coen told reporters afterward. “That’s it—because it’s the next one. That’s been the mindset and mentality of this group. They’ve stayed even-keeled. There’s confidence. This team has confidence, but they’re not overlooking anybody, and they know that whoever comes here has to play us.”

The Jaguars enter the playoffs as the No. 3 seed and one of the hottest teams in the league, having won eight consecutive games. Jacksonville gets a tough draw, however, with the Buffalo Bills (12–5).