NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England 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)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, 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 bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive 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 contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
