NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (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 Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver 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 Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, 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)
