NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL 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 are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains 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 comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
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)
