NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory and a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
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 NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as 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 NFC West is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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 #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
