NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (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 winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home games throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)
