NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of securing that #1 ranking.
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 regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances 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 Atlanta-New Orleans 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 hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss 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)
