NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
