NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (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 secure 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 win and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash 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 #1 team in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top earns 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 much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup 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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston 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)
