The NFL’s regular season ends with massive stakes as two playoff berths remain open, and both No. 1 seeds are undecided heading into a thrilling Week 18 slate.
Current Playoff Picture Overview
Twelve teams have secured postseason spots after Week 17 action. The final two berths will go to the winners of division showdowns in the AFC North and NFC South.
In the AFC:
Denver Broncos (13-3) lead with control of the top seed.
New England Patriots (13-3) claimed the AFC East.
Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) hold a strong position in the AFC South.
In the NFC:
Seattle Seahawks (13-3) and San Francisco 49ers (12-4) battle for the West and No. 1 seed.
Chicago Bears (11-5) and Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) sit comfortably.
Key Elimination Games
Two winner-take-all matchups highlight the weekend.
Baltimore Ravens (8-8) visit the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) on Sunday night. The victor claims the AFC North title and No. 4 seed. The loser misses the playoffs entirely.
Carolina Panthers (8-8) face Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) on Saturday. A Panthers win secures the NFC South. A loss opens the door for complications involving the Atlanta Falcons.
Complicating the NFC South: If Carolina loses and Atlanta beats New Orleans, a three-way tie at 8-9 emerges. Tiebreakers favor the Panthers due to their superior record in divisional games.
Race for No. 1 Seeds
Home-field advantage remains up for grabs.
In the AFC:
Denver secures the bye with a win over resting Chargers.
New England needs a victory plus a Broncos loss.
Jacksonville has a slim chance requiring wins and multiple upsets.
In the NFC:
Saturday night’s Seahawks at 49ers decides the West winner and top seed.
The victor gets the bye; the loser likely falls to a wild-card spot.
Clinched Teams and Their Paths
Several squads have locked positions but fight for better seeding.
Houston Texans (11-5) can steal the AFC South with a win and Jaguars loss.
Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) rest starters after clinching a wild card.
Buffalo Bills (11-5) dropped to wild card after losing the East.
Los Angeles Rams (11-5) aim for the No. 5 seed with a win and help.
Green Bay Packers (9-6-1) are fixed at No. 7 despite recent struggles.
Potential Wild-Card Matchups to Watch
Analysts highlight intriguing possibilities:
A rematch of recent high-scoring games like Bears vs. 49ers.
Rivalry clashes such as Bears vs. Packers.
Quarterback duels featuring young stars like Drake Maye.
What Happens Next
Week 18 delivers high drama rarely seen in a finale. Outcomes will shape wild-card round matchups, byes, and home advantages. Fans should tune in early Saturday for the NFC South tilt, followed by the NFC West decider and the AFC North thriller. The postseason bracket finalizes Sunday night, setting the stage for a wide-open playoff run without dominant repeat contenders like in past years.
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Article Title (62 characters): NFL Playoffs on the Line: Week 18’s High-Stakes Showdowns
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Image Title (28 characters): NFL Week 18 Playoff Scenarios
