NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (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 NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, 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 hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim 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)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by 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.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
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)
