NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal 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 two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure 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 require a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. 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 top seed in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a huge edge 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 strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
