NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (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 game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of securing 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 at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by 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.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
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)
