NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (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 secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim 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 hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. 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)
