NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory and a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
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. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (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 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.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. 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)
