NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
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 Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)