NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (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 South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim 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)
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 expected to sit key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, 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)
