NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
