NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, far more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical importance 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 reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, 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 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. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains a massive edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
