NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a win and a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC 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 both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens 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)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the division crown.
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 control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, 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)
