NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. 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 the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win and a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
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 hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
