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

Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.

The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head matchups.

Current NFL Play-Off Standings

American Football Conference Rankings

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

The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.

The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.

National Football Conference Rankings

1. Seattle (13-3)
2. Chicago (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 is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other results.

Green Bay are set at 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 hanging in the balance.

How the NFL Postseason Works

The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.

In the second round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of earning that top spot.

Win or Go Home in the AFC North

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

This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.

The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.

Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.

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 the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.

This game pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.

Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.

The NFC South's Uncertain Finish

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

Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the title.

For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.

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 Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.

If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.

Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss 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)