NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston need a win and a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, 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 receives a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive edge 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. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss 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)