NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic 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 Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston 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)