NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (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 victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest 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.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter 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 true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars 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 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)
