NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt 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, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (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 seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Texans in the division standings.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
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)
