NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The conference title 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 bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the AFC South.
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)
