NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several 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 matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
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 top seeds join the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens 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)
More than just the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (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 win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)
