NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory and a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth 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 claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner 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.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense value of securing that top spot.
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 at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
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 travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.
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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, 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)
