NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- 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 victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win and a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter 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 win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens 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 on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top earns 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. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.
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)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
