NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch 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 matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at 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.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances 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 need 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston Texans in the AFC South.
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)