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NFL Playoff Picture Tightens: Week 18 to Decide No. 1 Seeds, Division Titles and Final Berths

First-round byes hang in the balance, making lineup choices potentially decisive.

Overview

  • With 12 of 14 postseason teams set, the final two berths and exact wild-card pairings will be settled in Week 18.
  • The AFC top seed remains open: Denver clinches with a win over the Chargers, New England can grab it with a win and a Broncos loss or tie, and Jacksonville retains a long-shot path with help.
  • The NFC’s No. 1 seed runs through the Seahawks–49ers showdown, where Seattle locks it up with a win or tie and San Francisco takes it with a win.
  • The AFC North title comes down to Steelers vs. Ravens, with the winner taking the division and landing as the conference’s No. 4 seed.
  • Strategic decisions loom large, as the Chargers are expected to rest Justin Herbert and others against Denver, while PanthersBuccaneers will settle the NFC South race.