NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, 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 top seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game 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 L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking 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 Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
