NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, 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 receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer 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.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal 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 #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
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)
