NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
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 Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. 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)
