NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (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 contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn 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 (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (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 game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises 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 losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Houston 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)
