NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win and a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, 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 require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. 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)
