NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct head-to-head matchups.
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 victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (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 South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued 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
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (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 victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
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 Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for 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.
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)