NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line 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 Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win and a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (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 on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
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)
