NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
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
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door 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 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship 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 final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston 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)
