NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (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 game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. 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
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat 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 unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston Texans in the AFC South.
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)
