NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head 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 (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (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, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a win and a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (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 winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
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 missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints 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)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Texans in the AFC South.
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)
