NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory and a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory 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 coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
