NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
