NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch 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 (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be 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 visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
