NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a huge advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (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 AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
