NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a win coupled with a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints 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)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players 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 New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston 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)
