NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need 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.
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)
