NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a huge advantage 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 the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
