NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win and a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth 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 claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce 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 situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
