NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, 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 receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter 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 all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever 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)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
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 hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises 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 triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the 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)
