NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line 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 Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle 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.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into 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: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (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 L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Texans in the division standings.
NFL Week 18: Complete Schedule
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)
