NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths remain open. However, far more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places 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 (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. 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 Seahawks (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 will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, contingent 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 Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. 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 comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
