NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, 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 receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)
