NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, far more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in two direct head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home games throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top 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 game with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
