NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring 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 the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features 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 highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston 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)
