NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, 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 on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match 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 the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim 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)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for 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 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)
