NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (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 winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss 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)
