NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (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. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England 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 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal 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)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable 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)
