NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.

As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.

NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.

NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18

AFC Standings

1. Denver Broncos (13-3)
2. New England (13-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (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 Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.

Houston need a win coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.

NFC Standings

1. Seattle (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. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
7. Green Bay (9-6)

The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.

Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.

How the NFL Postseason Works

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

On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.

For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of earning that top spot.

AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale

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

This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.

Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.

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

Battle for #1 in the NFC

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

More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.

This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked second best in the league.

The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive edge for the playoff run.

The NFC South's Uncertain Finish

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

Neither team enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the title.

For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup 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)
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 Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the AFC South.

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)