NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner 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 Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a win and a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (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 game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
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 on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens 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 back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back 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
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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 AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, 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)
