NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted 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 two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
