NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (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 winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home games throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities 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 another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup 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 hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
