NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a win coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens 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 division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
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)
