NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, far more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win and a Jaguars defeat to climb 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 Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (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 Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical 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 final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense 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 gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result 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)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Texans in the division standings.
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)
