NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots 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.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking 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 (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (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 AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory 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 win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
