NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the #4 position. 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, however, is the battle 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 both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens 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)
More than just the division title is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims 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. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash earns 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 much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)
