NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, 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 Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win and a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits 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, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the AFC South.
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)
