NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- 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, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at 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 grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, 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 on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the 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 dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely 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)
