NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure 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 (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive struggle.
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 the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, 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)
