NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (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 fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim 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)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Houston 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)