NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (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 wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor 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)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win 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 Houston 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)