NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- 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 is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker 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 Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a huge advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game 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 AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, 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)
