NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
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)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical 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 NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require 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)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos 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 Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
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)
