NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.

Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.

NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.

NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18

AFC Standings

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

Houston need a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.

NFC Standings

1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
2. Chicago Bears (11-5)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
4. Carolina (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, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other results.

Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.

Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format

The top seed in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.

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

In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of earning that top spot.

AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale

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

This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination situation.

The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.

Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as 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 on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.

This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the league.

Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.

NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line

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

Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.

For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)

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

Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.

Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the division standings.

Full Slate of Final Week Games

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)