NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a win and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home games throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top gains 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)
Both clubs enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, 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)
