NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths remain open. However, far more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback 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 Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (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 winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by 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 bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
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)
