NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, far more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (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 victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring 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 the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario 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
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos 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 opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
