NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce 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 scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Texans in the AFC South.
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)
