NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (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, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
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 visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result 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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. 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 New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the AFC South.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
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)
