NFL Playoff-Clinching Updates: Steelers Top Ravens in Instant Classic

It took until the final second of the final game, but the playoff field is now fully set.

Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers kept their season alive with a late win over the Ravens. | Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Welcome to the madness that was the final weekend of the NFL regular season. All 14 playoff spots have now been clinched, and TV times have been announced for wild-card weekend.

On Saturday, the Buccaneers held serve at home with a 16–14 win over the Panthers. However, Carolina eventually won the NFC South on a tiebreaker after the Falcons beat the Saints on Sunday, eliminating Tampa Bay from playoff contention.

In the nightcap, the Seahawks went to Santa Clara and shut down the 49ers, winning 13–3. Seattle not only captured the NFC West but also the No. 1 seed. San Francisco will be the sixth seed with the loss, thanks to the Rams’ win over the Cardinals.

Meanwhile in the AFC, the Sunday late window provided clarity. With the Broncos’ win over the Chargers, they clinched the top seed and home-field advantage. Meanwhile, the Patriots and Jaguars will be the second and third seeds respectively.  

Of course, the big game was on Sunday night and it turned into a classic. Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson combined for 532 passing yards, with the game won by Pittsburgh when Baltimore’s rookie kicker, Tyler Loop, missed a 44-yard field goal as time expired in a 26–24 loss for Baltimore. As a result, the Steelers are the AFC North champions and will host the Texans on Monday night.

On the NFC side, the picture is set. Seattle will have the lone bye while the Bears earned the second seed despite losing to the Lions, allowing them to host the Packers on wild-card weekend. The Eagles will welcome in the 49ers as well in the matchup between third and sixth seeds, while the Rams visit the Panthers in Charlotte.

Let’s get to all the scenarios below, starting with the AFC playoff picture.

*Denotes playoff berth clinched

**Denotes division winner 

AFC

1. Denver Broncos (14–3)**
2. New England Patriots (14–3)**
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (13–4)**
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (10–7)**
5. Houston Texans (12–5)*
6. Buffalo Bills (12–5)*
7. Los Angeles Chargers (11–6)*

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NFC

1. Seattle Seahawks (14–3)**
2. Chicago Bears (11–6)**
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11–6)**
4. Carolina Panthers (8–9)**
5. San Francisco 49ers (12–5)*
6. Los Angeles Rams (12–5)*
7. Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)*

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