NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (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, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home games throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
NFL Week 18: Complete Schedule
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)
