NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into 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 both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of 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 Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash 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 top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home games throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
