NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
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)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a huge advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)