NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
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.
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)
