The anticipation is building as fans look toward an exciting Week 18.
The NFL’s regular season is nearing its end, with two additional teams making the playoffs and three more clinching division titles.
Initially, the Packers had a shot at the playoffs after the Lions fell to the Vikings on Christmas, but their defeat against the Ravens on Saturday opened the path for the Bears to seize the NFC North title.
Also, the Texans triumphed over the Chargers on Saturday, securing their playoffs spot and, interestingly, granting the Broncos the AFC West title.
In another twist, the Patriots secured the AFC East title after the Bills were defeated by the Eagles.
Despite these developments, there are still vacant playoff slots, and two No. 1 seeds are yet to be determined, along with four division titles that need to be settled before the season wraps up.
Let’s break down the current playoff scenarios as we head into Week 18.
A.F.C.
Denver Broncos (13-3)
Matchup: vs. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5); Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
The Broncos can secure the AFC No. 1 seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage through:
- A win
- A tie, provided the Patriots either lose or tie
- If the Patriots lose and the Jaguars also lose or tie
New England Patriots (13-3)
Matchup: vs. Miami Dolphins (7-9); Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Like Denver, the Patriots can also earn a No. 1 seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage in these scenarios:
- If they win while the Broncos lose or tie
- A tie with a Broncos loss
Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
Matchup: vs. Tennessee Titans (3-13); Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
The Jaguars would clinch the AFC South title if they:
- Win or draw
- If the Texans lose or tie
They also have a slim chance at the conference title. Jacksonville could claim the top spot, first-round bye, and home-field advantage by:
- Winning, while the Broncos and Patriots both lose
Houston Texans (11-5)
Matchup: vs. Indianapolis Colts (8-8); Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET
Having secured a playoff berth in Week 17, the Texans could also win the AFC South title with the right outcome.
Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
Matchup: Against the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7); “Sunday Night Football” 8:20 p.m. ET
With Pittsburgh’s unexpected defeat against the Browns in Week 17, this creates a winner-take-all battle for the AFC North title. The Ravens have a clear path to the division crown.
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
Matchup: vs. Baltimore Ravens (8-8); “Sunday Night Football” 8:20 p.m. ET
On the other hand, Pittsburgh can capture the AFC North by:
NFC
Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
Matchup: Against the San Francisco 49ers (12-4); Saturday, 8 p.m. ET
If they can secure a win on the road, the Seahawks could clinch the NFC West title, along with a first-round bye and home-field advantage by meeting certain conditions.
San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
Matchup: vs. Seattle Seahawks (13-3); Saturday, 8 p.m. ET
Having caught up with their regional rivals, the 49ers can leap ahead to claim the district title and home-field advantage with a straightforward approach.
Carolina Panthers (8-8)
Matchup: Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9); Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET
This matchup is almost a do-or-die scenario for Carolina. They hold a chance to win the NFC South title accordingly.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
Matchup: vs. Carolina Panthers (8-8); Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET
Despite their struggles, winning just one of their last eight games, the Buccaneers still have a shot at the NFC South. They must rely on outcomes unfolding in their favor:
- If they win while the Falcons lose or tie
Current Seeding and Expected Matchups
A.F.C.
- 2nd place Patriots vs. 7th place Bills
- No. 3 Jaguars vs. No. 6 Chargers
- 4th place Steelers vs. 5th place Texans
- First-round bye: No. 1 Broncos
NFC
- 2nd place Bears vs. 7th place Packers
- 3rd place Eagles vs. 6th place Rams
- 4th place Panthers vs. 5th place 49ers
- 1st round bye: No. 1 Seahawks
