The NFL’s regular season has reached its final weekend with plenty undecided in terms of the playoff picture, including the No. 1 seeds in the AFC and NFC.
Here’s what to watch in Week 18 over the next few days.
NFC playoff picture
The Seattle Seahawks (13-3) face the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) on Saturday night with the NFC’s No. 1 seed, first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line. The Seahawks have to win or tie while the 49ers must win.
The Carolina Panthers (8-8) face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) on Saturday for the NFC South title and final NFC playoff spot. The Panthers’ easiest path is to beat or tie the Bucs, but they also could sneak into the playoff field if they lose and the Atlanta Falcons (7-9) beat the New Orleans Saints (6-11).
The Bucs must beat the Panthers and then hope the Falcons lose or tie the Saints.
As things stand
- 1. Seahawks (13-3): at 49ers (12-4), 7 p.m. Saturday, ABC-7
- 2. Bears (11-5): vs. Lions (8-8), 3:25 p.m. Sunday, Fox-32
- 3. Eagles (11-5): vs. Commanders (4-12), 3:25 p.m. Sunday
- 4. Panthers (8-8): at Buccaneers (7-9), 3:30 p.m. Saturday, ABC-7
- 5. 49ers (12-4): vs. Seahawks (13-3), 7 p.m. Saturday
- 6. Rams (11-5): vs. Cardinals (3-13), 3:25 p.m. Sunday
- 7. Packers (9-6-1): at Vikings (8-8), noon Sunday, CBS-2
- In the hunt: The Buccaneers (7-9) would win the NFC South with a win over the Panthers on Saturday AND a Falcons loss/tie against the Saints on Sunday.
AFC playoff picture
The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars all have a shot at the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which includes a first-round bye and home-field advantage through the playoffs.
The Broncos (13-3) have the clearest path — if they beat the Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) on Sunday, they’ll earn the top seed. They also could sneak into the top spot depending on the results for the Patriots and Jaguars.
The easiest way for the Patriots (13-3) to earn the top spot is to beat the Miami Dolphins (7-9) on Sunday and hope the Broncos lose to the Chargers. There are also a few unlikely scenarios — including ties in Week 18 — in which they could clinch.
The only way the Jaguars (12-4) would be the No. 1 seed is if they beat the Tennessee Titans (3-13) on Sunday and the Broncos and Patriots both lose. The Jaguars also can clinch the AFC South with a win.
The Houston Texans (11-5) are still in the mix for the AFC South if they can beat the Indianapolis Colts (8-8) and the Jaguars lose.
The Baltimore Ravens (8-8) and Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) are fighting for the AFC North title and the final AFC playoff spot Sunday night. The Steelers need to win or tie while the Ravens have to win.
As things stand
- 1. Broncos (13-3): vs. Chargers (11-5), 3:25 p.m. Sunday
- 2. Patriots (13-3): vs. Dolphins (7-9), 3:25 p.m. Sunday
- 3. Jaguars (12-4): vs. Titans (3-13), noon Sunday
- 4. Steelers (9-7): vs. Ravens (8-8), 7:25 p.m. Sunday, NBC-5
- 5. Texans (11-5): vs. Colts (8-8), noon Sunday
- 6. Chargers (11-5): at Broncos (13-3), 3:25 p.m. Sunday
- 7. Bills (11-5): vs. Jets (3-13), 3:25 p.m. Sunday
- In the hunt: The Ravens (8-8) need to beat the Steelers on Sunday night to win the AFC North.
