NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (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 claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the top seed 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 Panthers (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 victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, 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 receives a valuable bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as 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)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
