NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots 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 (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just 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 championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is ranked second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains a huge advantage 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 game with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the 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 the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)