NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, far more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jaguars 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 open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (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 claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
