NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory and a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (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 will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, 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 earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
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 San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation 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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
