NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of 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)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
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 Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal 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 expected to sit key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, 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)
