NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. However, far more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
Houston require 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 pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. 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)
