NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at 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 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 genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as 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 at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
