NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering 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, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
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 on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains 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)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the AFC South.
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)
