NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off 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-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at 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 grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
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 division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Texans in the AFC South.
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)
