NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (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 Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory and a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England 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)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
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 play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory 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 Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
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)
