NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (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 the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win and a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (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 will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, 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
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash gains 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 seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game 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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the division standings.
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)
