NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal 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 #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
