NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (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-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is ranked second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim 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 AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed 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 rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the division standings.
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)
