NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a victory and a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce 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 genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the divisional championship.
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 AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
