NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars 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 (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a massive edge for the playoff run.
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. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 likely to rest key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Texans in the division standings.
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)
