NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win and a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match 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 genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)