NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston need a win and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
NFL Week 18: Complete Schedule
Saturday, 3 January
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30)
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Sunday, 4 January
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons (18:00)
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals (18:00)
Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings (18:00)
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants (18:00)
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00)
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans (18:00)
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills (21:25)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25)
Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears (21:25)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas Raiders (21:25)
Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams (21:25)
Washington Commanders @ Philadelphia Eagles (21:25)
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
