NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed 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 Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Texans in the division standings.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
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)
