NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the division standings.
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)
