NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. 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 Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston need a win and a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards 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 opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Houston 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)
