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, far more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of securing that #1 ranking.
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. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, 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 on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB 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 postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
