NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (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 fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
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.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of securing that top spot.
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 regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
