NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
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 Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a win coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (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 claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC 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 earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever 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 enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the division crown.
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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)