NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes 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. Yet, far more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (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, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (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 South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry 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 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 their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss 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)
