NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (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 (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
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 travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the title.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)