NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
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, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (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 Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
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 other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes 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
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
