NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston need a win and a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the top seed 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 (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
