NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (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 South division will be claimed 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 set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
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)
