NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
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 (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory and a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of securing that top spot.
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 play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever comes out on top 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)
Both clubs enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game 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 likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
