NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way 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 (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the division even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. 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)
Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards 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 New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
