NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings 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 a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a huge edge 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. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (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 key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed 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 improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the 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)
