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

Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.

The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places on the line 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 (13-3)
3. Jacksonville (12-4)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
5. Houston (11-5)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
7. Buffalo Bills (11-5)

The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.

Houston require a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.

NFC Standings

1. Seattle (13-3)
2. Chicago Bears (11-5)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
4. Carolina (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 victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other results.

The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.

How the NFL Postseason Works

The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.

During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.

In the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of securing that #1 ranking.

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 true win-or-go-home situation.

Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.

Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive struggle.

Battle for #1 in the NFC

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

More than just the division title is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.

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

The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.

NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)

Both clubs enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the division.

The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the division crown.

Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy

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

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

If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)