NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, far more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked 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 advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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 AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
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 New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Houston 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)
