NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory and a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage 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-field advantage throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable 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)
