NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
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 playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup 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)
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 expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
