NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.

Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths remain open. However, far more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.

NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.

Current NFL Play-Off Standings

AFC Standings

1. Denver (13-3)
2. New England (13-3)
3. Jacksonville (12-4)
4. Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
5. Houston Texans (11-5)
6. L.A. Chargers (11-5)
7. Buffalo Bills (11-5)

The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.

The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.

NFC Standings

1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
2. Chicago Bears (11-5)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
4. Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
5. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
6. L.A. Rams (11-5)
7. Green Bay Packers (9-6)

The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.

The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.

How the NFL Postseason Works

The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.

On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.

For the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.

AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale

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

This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination scenario.

The Steelers have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.

Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.

NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed

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

More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.

This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the league.

The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a massive edge for the playoff run.

NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line

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

Neither team enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the division.

For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the divisional championship.

Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy

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)

Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.

Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.

Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely 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)