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 are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win and a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, 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 for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
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 the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need 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)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory 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 defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Texans in the division standings.
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)
