NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- 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 (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
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 visits the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (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 L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
