As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens 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 set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (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 victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
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 playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson 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 hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup 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)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston Texans in the AFC South.
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)
