NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (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 Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle 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 crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship 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 bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. 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 hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston Texans in the AFC South.
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)
