NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win and a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
