Picture Perfect
01/09/2023
By: Jeff Yoder
Eagles & Chiefs Secure No. 1 Seeds; Jaguars, Dolphins, Seahawks Punch Playoff Tickets in Week 18
The NFL season is a wrap, and the playoff bracket is official. Week 18 featured a frantic set of scenarios for teams on the bubble, and we now know the roads to Super Bowl LVII. The Chiefs and Eagles secured the No. 1 seeds and home-field advantage. Only three spots were up for grabs in Week 18. The Jaguars, Dolphins, and Seahawks grabbed those bids leaving the Steelers, Patriots, Lions, and Packers out in the cold. The most drama came in the NFC where Seattle needed overtime to beat the Rams (19-16, OT), effectively eliminating the Lions and putting the pressure on the Packers in the Sunday night game. Detroit snatched the lead with 5.55 left in the fourth, and then picked off Aaron Rodgers to end the Pack’s season.
And with that, the playoff picture is crystal clear. The first round will feature three divisional rivalries — Seahawks-49ers, Dolphins-Bills, and Ravens-Bengals — while the Eagles and Chiefs get the bye. Here’s a first look:
NFL Playoff Picture
NFC
1. Eagles (14-3)
2. 49ers (13-4)
3. Vikings (13-4)
4. Buccaneers (8-9)
5. Cowboys (12-5)
6. Giants (9-7-1)
7. Seahawks (9-8)
Just Missed: Lions (9-8), Packers (8-9)
AFC
1. Chiefs (14-3)
2. Bills (13-3)
3. Bengals (12-4)
4. Jaguars (9-8)
5. Chargers (10-7)
6. Ravens (10-7)
7. Dolphins (9-8)
Just Missed: Steelers (9-8), Patriots (8-9)
All Week 18 Scores & Highlights
Jaguars def. Titans (20-16) | Chiefs def. Raiders (31-13) | Steelers def. Browns (28-14) | Panthers def. Saints (10-7) | Dolphins def. Jets (11-6) | Texans def. Colts (32-31) | Bengals def. Ravens (27-16) | Vikings def. Bears (29-13) | Bills def. Patriots (35-23) | Falcons def. Buccaneers (30-17) | Eagles def. Giants (22-16) | 49ers def. Cardinals (38-13) | Commanders def. Cowboys (26-6) | Seahawks def. Rams (19-16) | Broncos def. Chargers (31-28) | Lions def. Packers (20-16)
1. Bears (3-14)
2. Texans (3-13-1)
3. Cardinals (4-13)
4. Colts (4-12-1)
5. Seahawks (9-8) (via Broncos)
Additional Storylines
SI: 2023 NFL Playoffs Schedule: Times, Dates, Opponents, TV Info
USA Today: Bills Take Opening Kickoff for TD in First Play Since Damar Hamlin Collapse
B/R: NFL Playoffs Wild Card Weekend Matchups Breakdown & Early Predictions
Photo: Jane Gershovich / Getty Images