NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win and a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
