NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door 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 (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce 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 true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, 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 more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss 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)
