NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. 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 first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, 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 top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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 control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
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)
