NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (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 secure the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. 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)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers 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 victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (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 expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the 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)
