NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, far more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston Texans in the AFC South.
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)
