NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (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 Bills (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 locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win and a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (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 winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, 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 travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the divisional championship.
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 hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
