NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a win coupled with a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (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 South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle 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 first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other 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 enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the immense value of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver 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 difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring struggle.
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 the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the playoff run.
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 dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the 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)
