NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory and 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 pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch 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 NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens 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 division title is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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 hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
