NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (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 Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory and a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
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 travels to the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
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 AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
