NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two 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 Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (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 teams.
The Texans require a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (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 will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
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. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.
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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined 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 both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
