NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, 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.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
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 visits the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
