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

Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.

NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct 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 (8-8)
5. Houston (11-5)
6. L.A. Chargers (11-5)
7. Buffalo Bills (11-5)

The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.

The Texans need a win and a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.

National Football Conference Rankings

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 49ers (12-4)
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
7. Green Bay Packers (9-6)

The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.

The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.

Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format

The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.

On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.

In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.

Win or Go Home in the AFC North

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

This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.

Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.

Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.

Battle for #1 in the NFC

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

Not only the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.

This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.

Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.

The NFC South's Uncertain Finish

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

Neither team enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.

For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.

Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy

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

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

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

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve 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)