NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths 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 division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off 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 bye week and home games throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore 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)
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 matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, 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)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the AFC South.
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)
