NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed 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 require a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (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 game, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. 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-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
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 claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (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 likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston 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)
