NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. However, far more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. 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. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (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 winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
