NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win and a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce 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 inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (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 Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
