NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a victory and a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of earning that top spot.
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 final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)
