NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (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 South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Houston 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)
