At a Glance
- 12 of 14 playoff spots already clinched.
- Only the #1 seed is locked; remaining spots hinge on Week 18.
- Division titles still contested in the AFC North, AFC South, NFC South, and NFC West.
- Why it matters: Fans will know who secures playoff spots and who still has a chance.
The final week of the NFL regular season is here, and while most playoff teams are locked in, a handful of seeds and division titles still depend on Week 18 games.
Current Playoff Field
The 14 teams that have secured a berth include the Broncos, Patriots, Jaguars, Texans, Chargers, Bills, Seahawks, Bears, Eagles, Rams, 49ers, Packers, and the remaining two are the Steelers and Panthers.
- AFC teams: Broncos, Patriots, Jaguars, Texans, Chargers, Bills, Steelers.
- NFC teams: Seahawks, Bears, Eagles, Rams, 49ers, Packers, Panthers.
Seed and Bracket Overview
The top seeds are currently the Broncos and Seahawks, each earning a first-round bye. The remaining matchups are set as follows:
| Seed | Team | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Bills | Patriots |
| 6 | Chargers | Jaguars |
| 5 | Texans | Steelers |
| 4 | ? | ? |
| 3 | ? | ? |
| 2 | Seahawks | ? |
| 1 | Broncos | ? |
The exact lower-seed matchups will depend on the outcomes of the remaining division races.
Key Playoff Scenarios
Several scenarios determine the final seedings. The top seed races, division title battles, and wild-card order all hinge on Week 18 results.
- AFC top seed: Broncos, Patriots, or Jaguars can finish #1; Denver needs a home win over the Chargers to clinch.
- AFC South title: Jaguars need a win or tie at home against Tennessee; Texans need a home win over Colts and a Jaguars loss to Tennessee.
- AFC North champion: The Ravens and Steelers will decide the #4 seed in their Week 18 matchup.
- NFC West title: The Seahawks and 49ers will decide the #1 seed in their San Francisco game.
- NFC South champion: Panthers vs. Buccaneers will determine the #4 seed; Carolina needs a win or tie at Tampa, or a Falcons win over Saints.
Key Takeaways
- 12 of 14 playoff spots are already set; only a few seeds and division titles remain undecided.
- The Broncos and Seahawks hold the top seeds and a first-round bye.
- Week 18 games will decide the AFC North, AFC South, NFC South, and NFC West titles, as well as the final wild-card order.
The outcome of this final week will lock in the playoff bracket and set the stage for the postseason battles that lead to the Super Bowl.
