NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of 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 Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (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 NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
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 week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts 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 championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
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 claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash 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 enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. 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)
