NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. 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 playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)