NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
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 (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a win coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive advantage 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 strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the 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)
