NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry 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 true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (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 key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England 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 need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
