NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (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-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a win coupled with a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback 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 quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains 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 contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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 hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)
