NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle 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 receives a crucial bye week and home games throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback 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 NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a huge advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, 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)
