NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, 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 #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by 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)
