NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.

As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.

The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.

NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18

American Football Conference Rankings

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

The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.

The Texans require a victory and a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.

NFC Standings

1. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
2. Chicago Bears (11-5)
3. Philadelphia (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 #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.

Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.

How the NFL Postseason Works

The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home games throughout the postseason.

On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.

For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance 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. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.

Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.

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

NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed

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

Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.

This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the league.

Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.

The NFC South's Uncertain Finish

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)

Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.

The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)

Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.

Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston 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)