NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable 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)