NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (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 Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home games throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a huge advantage 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 strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
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 Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the divisional championship.
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)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
