At a Glance
- Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, and other teams are fighting for the No. 1 seed in their conferences.
- Week 18 games will decide the top playoff spots and home-field advantage.
- Multiple teams still compete for division titles and final playoff berths.
- Why it matters: The outcomes will set the playoff map, affecting first-round byes and home-field advantage.
The NFL regular season is down to its final games, and the results will shape the playoff landscape. Teams across the AFC and NFC are battling for the coveted No. 1 seed and other playoff spots.
AFC Playoff Picture
The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Jacksonville Jaguars all have a shot at the AFC No. 1 seed. The Broncos (13-3) lead the race; a win over the Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) on Sunday would secure the top seed. The Patriots (13-3) could clinch by beating the Miami Dolphins (7-9) and hoping the Broncos lose, while the Jaguars would need a win over the Tennessee Titans (3-13) and losses from both the Broncos and Patriots.
- Houston Texans (11-5) still in the mix for the AFC South title if they beat the Indianapolis Colts (8-8) and the Jaguars lose.
- Baltimore Ravens (8-8) and Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) fight for the AFC North title and the final AFC playoff spot; the Steelers need to win or tie while the Ravens must win.
- The Broncos, Patriots, and Jaguars have the clearest path to the No. 1 seed, but results in other games could alter the outcome.
NFC Playoff Picture
The Seattle Seahawks (13-3) face the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) on Saturday night for the NFC No. 1 seed. The Carolina Panthers (8-8) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) clash for the NFC South title and the final playoff spot. The Panthers could sneak into the playoffs if they lose and the Atlanta Falcons (7-9) beat the New Orleans Saints (6-11).
| Team | Record | Key Game |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Seahawks | 13-3 | vs. 49ers |
| San Francisco 49ers | 12-4 | vs. Seahawks |
| Carolina Panthers | 8-8 | vs. Buccaneers |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7-9 | vs. Panthers |
| Atlanta Falcons | 7-9 | vs. Saints |
| New Orleans Saints | 6-11 | vs. Falcons |
The outcomes of these matchups will determine the playoff map, with home-field advantage and first-round byes at stake.
Key Takeaways
- The Broncos and Seahawks hold the strongest positions for the No. 1 seed in their conferences.
- Division titles in the AFC South and NFC South remain open, with multiple teams still in contention.
- Week 18 games will decide home-field advantage and first-round byes.
Fans will watch these games closely as the final playoff picture takes shape, with the stakes higher than ever.
