NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places 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 Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. 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 the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the division.
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 game to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the division standings.
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)
