NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability 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.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
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 win over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
