NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (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 Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive 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 San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. 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)
