NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.

As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two 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 division titles.

NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all contests.

NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18

AFC Standings

1. Denver Broncos (13-3)
2. New England (13-3)
3. Jacksonville (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 victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.

The Texans require a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.

NFC Standings

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

The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.

Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.

How the NFL Postseason Works

The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.

During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.

In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning that top spot.

Win or Go Home in the AFC North

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

This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination scenario.

The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.

Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore 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)

More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.

This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the NFL.

Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains 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. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the title.

For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game 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)

The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.

Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve 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)