NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (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 Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
