NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.

Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.

The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.

NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18

AFC Standings

1. Denver Broncos (13-3)
2. New England Patriots (13-3)
3. Jacksonville (12-4)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
5. Houston (11-5)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
7. Buffalo (11-5)

The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.

Houston need a win and a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.

National Football Conference Rankings

1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
2. Chicago Bears (11-5)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
4. Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
5. San Francisco (12-4)
6. L.A. Rams (11-5)
7. Green Bay Packers (9-6)

The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.

Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.

How the NFL Postseason Works

The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.

On 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 weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.

Win or Go Home in the AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)

This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.

The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.

Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.

NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed

Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)

Not only the division title is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.

This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.

Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.

The NFC South's Uncertain Finish

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)

Both clubs enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the division.

For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.

Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)

The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.

Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)