NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks 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 valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
