NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (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 contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as 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 on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)