NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed 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 #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home games throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination 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 star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (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 win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the 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)
