NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim 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 win coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into 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 #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains 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 contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal 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)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the AFC South.
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)
