NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, far more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay 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 set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be 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 at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay 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. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the AFC South.
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)
