NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (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 #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
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 second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge 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 enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.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 coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the division standings.
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)
