NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, far more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
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. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
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 visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)
