NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win and a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure 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 (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash 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 top seed in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match 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 true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a huge advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.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 Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
