NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (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 winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. 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-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
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 Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.
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 seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require 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)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, 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)
