NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all 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 (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (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 victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, 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 seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance 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 final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as 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 winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the division standings.
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)
