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

Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.

NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct 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 Ravens (8-8)
5. Houston (11-5)
6. L.A. Chargers (11-5)
7. Buffalo (11-5)

The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.

Houston require a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.

NFC Standings

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

The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.

The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.

Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format

The top seed in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.

During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.

For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that top spot.

Win or Go Home in the AFC North

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

This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.

The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.

Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.

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 claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.

This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the league.

Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive 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 enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.

For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the division crown.

Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy

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

The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.

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

Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston 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)