NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed 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 win coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
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 hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
