Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (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 contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win and a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated 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 earns a huge advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
