Another NFL season has passed us by, and it was one of the best regular seasons in a long time. Over the course of 18 weeks, the greatest league in the world gave us plenty of unforgettable memories, and they will do it again next season. No matter what anyone says, the NFL is king, and it always will be. Now it’s time for the playoffs, the best part. A new champion will be crowned and cement their legacy in NFL history. 

5. The Jets Made Bad History

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Jan 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn looks on during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The New York Jets can’t find a way to get out of their own way. When Aaron Glenn got hired, and they signed Justin Fields, many of their fans were instilled with hope. That lasted a whole two weeks before it wore off. Glenn’s team became the first team in modern NFL history to go an entire season without an interception. For a guy who is a defensive-minded head coach, that is actually impressive. Sure, he’s not on the field to make an interception, but it’s insane that they never got one. 

4. The NFL Scriptwriters Nailed The Finale

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Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens place kicker Tyler Loop (33) reacts after missing the game winning field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Everyone complained all week about the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Baltimore Ravens being the Sunday Night Football game instead of the San Francisco 49ers versus the Seattle Seahawks. The NFL got the last laugh. The Steelers and Ravens gave us an instant classic that came down to the wire. Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson were exchanging blows in the fourth quarter before Tyler Loop missed the game-winning kick as time expired. The scriptwriters were cooking for the 2025 NFL season finale. 

3. The Buccaneers Won And Lost

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Jan 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) leaves the field after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Somehow, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won and lost in Week 18. They handled business by beating the Carolina Panthers on Saturday night, but then they needed the New Orleans Saints to beat the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Tyler Shough did everything he could, but the Saints fell to the Falcons, handing the last playoff spot and the NFC South to the Panthers. The Buccaneers did what they could in Week 18, but it wasn’t enough to survive the epic collapse in the weeks prior.

2. A New Sack King Was Crowned

NFL
Jan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. The play set a new NFL single season sack record by Garrett. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

It took him 17 games, but Myles Garrett officially holds the record for most sacks in an NFL regular season. With five minutes remaining in the game, Garrett got off the line quickly and wrangled Joe Burrow to the ground for his 23rd sack of the season. Regardless of how long it took Garrett, it is an incredible feat as he continues to be the lone bright spot in Cleveland. The future looks bleak, but at least Garrett is breaking records.

1. The Raiders Hit The Lottery

NFL
Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) leaves the field after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The New York Giants shot themselves in both feet in Week 18 by beating the Dallas Cowboys. They handed the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Las Vegas Raiders, who should be looking for their franchise quarterback. Now, they will have all the options. Fernando Mendoza would be a perfect selection. He can be trusted not to fall into the trap of Las Vegas. The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner won’t be out drinking and partying. He will be grinding tape and testing his mom, and that isn’t a bad thing.

End Of My NFL Rant

NFL
Jul 26, 2023; Irvine, CA, USA; A Wilson official NFL Duke football game ball on the field at Los Angeles Rams training camp at UC Irvine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It’s sad to see another NFL season come and go, but it provided us with an abundance of unforgettable memories. Week 18 was no different. It had all the excitement that anyone could want, coming down to the wire with Sunday night’s last-second thriller to decide the AFC North. Without Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and the Detroit Lions, the NFL playoffs have a chance to be more interesting than the regular season was.