NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, depending 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 the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive 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 Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted 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 comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, 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 control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
