NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a win and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (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, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (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 L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)
