NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss 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 the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (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 fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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 #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss 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)
