NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC 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 each conference earns a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal 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 victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
