NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl 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 NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top 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 strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Texans in the AFC South.
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)
