NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, 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.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed 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. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a huge advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the divisional championship.
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)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston 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)
