As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (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 winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, 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 on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
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 on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash gains 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 contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
