NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. However, far more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks 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 receives a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal 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)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the division standings.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
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)
