NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the clash 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 top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting 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 reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Houston Texans in the AFC South.
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)
