NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the division crown.
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)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. 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 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)
