NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four 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 matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory and a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (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 game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed 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 both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash earns a huge advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Houston 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)
