NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory and a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of earning 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 last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game 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)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
