NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory and a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, 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.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value 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 last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home 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 star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid 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
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game 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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players 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 top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the 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)
