NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, far more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For 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, underscoring the immense value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)