NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (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 #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed 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 snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (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 NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns 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 game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the division standings.
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)
