NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (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 winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive 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 the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
