As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked second best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a massive 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. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Texans in the AFC South.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
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)
