NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two 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 (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. 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 San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
