NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match 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 situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just 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 dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
