NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner 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 need a win and a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense 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.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.
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. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss 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)
