NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England 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 triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
