NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. However, far more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced 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
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (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 contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win and a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (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 Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require help 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)
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 L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
