NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, 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 on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, 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 Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the division crown.
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)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
