NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of securing 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 final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
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)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat 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 unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
