NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles 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. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
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 key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
