NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (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 victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: 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 matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. 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)
