NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.

Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.

NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.

NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18

AFC Standings

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

The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.

Houston need a win coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch 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. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
7. Green Bay Packers (9-6)

The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.

The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.

Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format

The top seed in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.

During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.

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

Win or Go Home in the AFC North

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

This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.

The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.

Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.

NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed

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

Not only the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.

This game pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the league.

Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a massive advantage 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. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the title.

For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.

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)

Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.

Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.

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