NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a win and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title 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 reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the divisional championship.
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)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
