NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory and a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (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 matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be 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)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. 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)
