NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim 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 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.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (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 gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need 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 AFC South.
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)
