NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
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 win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (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 South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash 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 game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny 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 New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Texans in the division standings.
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)
