NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. Yet, far more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game 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 entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (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 (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (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 AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
