NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths remain open. However, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure 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 (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. 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 fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be 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 division title is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards 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 door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
