NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, including the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that 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 enters this contest 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 straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give 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 pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
