NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (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 Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
