NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Texans in the division standings.
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)
