NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.

As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.

The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.

NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18

American Football Conference Rankings

1. Denver (13-3)
2. New England (13-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
4. Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
5. Houston Texans (11-5)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
7. Buffalo (11-5)

The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.

Houston require a victory and a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.

National Football Conference Rankings

1. Seattle (13-3)
2. Chicago (11-5)
3. Philadelphia (11-5)
4. Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
5. San Francisco (12-4)
6. L.A. Rams (11-5)
7. Green Bay (9-6)

The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, 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, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.

Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format

The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.

During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.

For the second round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that top spot.

Win or Go Home in the AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)

This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.

The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable 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 struggle.

NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed

Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)

Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.

This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.

The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.

The NFC South's Uncertain Finish

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)

Both clubs enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the title.

The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.

Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)

Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.

If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston Texans in the division standings.

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)