As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston need a win and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, 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 fierce rivalry 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 elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
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 the Panthers have missed chances to secure 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 Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (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 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 long shot. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
