NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos 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 Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value 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 last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
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 the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss 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)
