NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (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 matchup, granting them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. 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. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
