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

As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.

NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.

NFL Postseason Picture as of Week 18

AFC Standings

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

The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.

Houston require a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.

NFC Standings

1. Seattle (13-3)
2. Chicago (11-5)
3. Philadelphia (11-5)
4. Carolina Panthers (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 will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.

The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.

How the NFL Postseason Works

The top seed in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.

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

In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.

AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)

This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.

Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.

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

NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed

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

More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.

This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the NFL.

The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a massive edge 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 game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, 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 more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.

Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy

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

The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.

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

Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, 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)