NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump 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 the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting 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 grudge match 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 scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring 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 travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. 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)
