NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot 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 need a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that 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 game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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)
Denver hold the cards 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 Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Texans in the AFC South.
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)
