NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, 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.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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 #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
