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

As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four division titles.

NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.

NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18

AFC Standings

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

The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.

Houston require a win and a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.

NFC Standings

1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
2. Chicago Bears (11-5)
3. Philadelphia (11-5)
4. Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
5. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
7. Green Bay Packers (9-6)

The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.

Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.

How the NFL Postseason Works

The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.

On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.

For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.

AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale

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 postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.

Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.

Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.

Battle for #1 in the NFC

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

Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.

This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the NFL.

The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.

NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line

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

Neither team enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the division.

For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the divisional championship.

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)

Denver control their destiny 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 Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.

Jacksonville 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 see them passed by the Houston Texans in the division standings.

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)