NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. However, far more is on the line, including the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
Saturday, 3 January
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30)
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Sunday, 4 January
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons (18:00)
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals (18:00)
Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings (18:00)
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants (18:00)
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00)
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans (18:00)
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills (21:25)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25)
Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears (21:25)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas Raiders (21:25)
Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams (21:25)
Washington Commanders @ Philadelphia Eagles (21:25)
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)