NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value 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 regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a huge 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 game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
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)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
