NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, far more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, 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 (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win and a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (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 will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC 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 plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (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 seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)
