NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory and a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston Texans in the AFC South.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
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)
