Locals In The NFL: Best Matchups To Watch In Week 18
Jan 2, 2026, 3:10 PM
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 10: Tyler Allgeier #25 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on November 10, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ella Hall/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ella Hall/Getty Images)
Week 18 of the NFL season kicks off tomorrow!
Through the weekend, there are plenty of intriguing matchups with ties to the state of Utah worth following.
Here’s a look at the top games — including the one we think stands out above the rest.
🚨 WEEK 18 SCHEDULE 🚨 pic.twitter.com/c4kM67GCmR
— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2025
Noteworthy Locals In The NFL Week 18 Matchups
Rams vs. Cardinals – Sunday, January 4 at 2:25 p.m. (MT)
This game only has one local, but the storyline alone is worthy of a placement on this list.
Former BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua closes out his third season with an NFC West rivalry matchup against Arizona.
Nacua has already set career highs for receptions, yards, and touchdowns in a season. But he can continue to add to his legendary campaign in the final week of the season.
Not to mention, whether its a win or loss for Los Angeles, the NFC playoff picture can see a lot of changes after this weekend.
Ball 🧲s pic.twitter.com/w1Gy8Z60Oz
— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2025
Bills vs. Jets – Sunday, January 4 at 2:25 p.m. (MT)
There aren’t many playoff implications in this AFC matchup. The Bills are already in the playoffs, and can’t win the division. The Jets have been eliminated from postseason contention for awhile now.
Still, the four-player core in Buffalo will hit the field for one of the final times this season. Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid, Highland High tight end Jackson Hawes, Utah safety Cole Bishop, and Weber State cornerback Taron Johnson should all be good to go against New York.
The Jets have one local themselves, Bingham High standout defensive tackle Jay Tufele.
🚨 IT’S RED HELMET WEEK 🚨 pic.twitter.com/J0V80IYqCQ
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 31, 2025
Quarterback Games
Giants vs. Cowboys – Sunday, January 4 at 11:00 a.m. (MT)
Roy & Corner Canyon High star Jaxson Dart will close out his rookie year in week 18 against Dallas.
Dart is the only local for either team.
Packers vs. Vikings – Sunday, January 4 at 11:00 a.m. (MT)
Former Utah State QB Jordan Love is still in concussion protocol, but could return to end the regular season on a high note against the Vikings.
The Packers also have two former BYU Cougars, RB Chris Brooks and safety Zayne Anderson. For Minnesota, it’s former Weber State DE Jonah Williams.
The regular season finale 🍿 pic.twitter.com/dDiLJiRy0I
— NFL (@NFL) January 2, 2026
Week 18’s Top Game To Tune In To For Locals
Falcons vs. Saints – Sunday, January 4 at 11:00 a.m. (MT)
Unfortunately, the game of the week features two non-playoff teams, but the local presence can’t be ignored.
The Saints have former BYU QB Taysom Hill and former Utah WR Devaughn Vele. The Falcons roll out with former BYU RB Tyler Allgeier and Judge Memorial High LB Kaden Elliss.
Both sides also have an injured player with local ties who won’t see any action in the final week. For New Orleans, it’s former Utah safety Julian Blackmon. For Atlanta, it’s former Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III.
About #LocalsInTheNFL
For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.
Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.
From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.
