NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England 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 (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game 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 control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Texans in the AFC South.
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)
