NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (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 (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains a massive edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the divisional championship.
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)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for 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 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)
