NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable 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 at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
