NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.

As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.

The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.

NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18

AFC Standings

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

The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.

Houston require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim 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. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
7. Green Bay (9-6)

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

Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, 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.

How the NFL Postseason Works

The top seed in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.

On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.

In the second round, the top seeds join 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

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)

This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.

Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.

Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.

NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed

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

More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.

This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.

The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. 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. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.

For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)

The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.

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

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)