NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory and a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the divisional championship.
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 hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
