NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
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 at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win and a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup 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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, 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)
