NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. However, far more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct head-to-head 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 Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win and a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge 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 game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
