AFC Seeding Scenarios for NFL Playoff Bracket 2026 Unveiled Ahead of Week 18 Schedule

A bit confused about all of the AFC's seeding scenarios heading into Week 18?

Jack Andrade of NFL Network has you covered:

Here's a quick primer for a few of the seeding scenarios.

The Denver Broncos will clinch the top seed with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The New England Patriots will clinch the top seed with a win over the Miami Dolphins and a Broncos loss. The Jacksonville Jaguars will clinch the top seed with a win over the Tennessee Titans and losses by the Broncos and Patriots.

The winner of the Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers matchup will win the AFC North and earn the No. 4 seed.

Beyond that, there are countless permutations for how the Wild Card seeds might play out, meaning Week 18 still carries plenty of importance from a matchup perspective heading into the postseason.