NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all 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)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring 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 comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. 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)
Neither team comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the division crown.
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)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
