NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive 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 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 game features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled 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 both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
