NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths remain open. However, far more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (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 victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win 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 NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable bye week and home games throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
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 the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand 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 achieve an unlikely rise to the top. 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)
