NFL Playoff Standings 2018: Records, Postseason Scenarios and Wild-Card Review

The stage is set for the NFL postseason, which features eight playoff teams who missed out the year before (including the NFC's top five seeds). Of note, the Buffalo Bills are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 1999 after the Cincinnati Bengals did them a favor and beat the Baltimore Ravens.

The Bills will be sending the Bengals wings as a token of their appreciation, but until then, here's a look at the final playoff standings and records alongside some postseason scenarios and quick wild-card matchup reviews.

Note that the lowest seed remaining after the Wild Card Round will travel to face the No. 1 seed in its respective conference, while the highest seed left will go to the No. 2 seed's stadium.

AFC Playoff Standings

Division Winners

1. New England Patriots: 13-3

2. Pittsburgh Steelers: 13-3

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 10-6

4. Kansas City Chiefs: 10-6

Wild Card

5. Tennessee Titans: 9-7

6. Buffalo Bills: 9-7

NFC Playoff Standings

1. Philadelphia Eagles: 13-3

2. Minnesota Vikings: 13-3

3. Los Angeles Rams: 11-5

4. New Orleans Saints: 11-5

Wild Card

5. Carolina Panthers: 11-5

6. Atlanta Falcons: 10-6

Postseason Scenarios and Wild-Card Matchups

No. 5 Tennessee Titans at No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs: Saturday, 4:35 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC

The winner will either face the New England Patriots or the Pittsburgh Steelers, and that matchup is dependent upon the result of the Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars contest.

If the Bills win, then the Tennessee Titans-Kansas City Chiefs victor will face the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, if the Jags hold serve at home, then the winner here will play New England.

As for this contest, the Chiefs have been a great home team this year (6-2), while the Titans have struggled on the road (3-5). It's hard to bet against that trend continuing on Saturday, especially considering that the Chiefs are seven-point favorites against Tennessee, per OddsShark.

Also, keep an eye out for Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt, who could have a big game. The Titans were ranked second-worst against pass-catching running backs through Week 16, per Football Outsiders, and they notably allowed 10 receptions for 158 yards and two scores to Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley in Week 16.

It would be hard for Hunt to post similar numbers, but he could have a big day.

No. 6 Atlanta Falcons at No. 3 Los Angeles Rams: Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET on NBC

If the Atlanta Falcons win, they'll head to Philadelphia to take on the No. 1-seeded Eagles. If the Los Angeles Rams win, they'll look for revenge against a Minnesota Vikings team they lost to 24-7 earlier this season.

This should be the game of the week. After starting 4-4, the Falcons went on a roll in the second half of the season by winning six of eight. Their only losses were to the 13-3 Vikings (14-9) and the 11-5 New Orleans Saints (23-13). Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones finished second in the NFL in receiving yards (1,444).

As for the Rams, they led the entire NFL in points scored (478) and finished tied for third in point differential (plus-149). Gurley is a legitimate MVP candidate, and the defense has stepped up under the leadership of experienced defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and superstar tackle Aaron Donald.

Ultimately, the Rams have too many offensive weapons. Aside from Gurley, their offensive line is one of the best in the game, and Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Sammy Watkins form one of the best three-wideout combos in football. Quarterback Jared Goff has done well in year two, and head coach Sean McVay always seems to make the right calls on the field.

This should be close, but look for L.A. to move on.

No. 6 Buffalo Bills at No. 3 Jacksonville Jaguars: Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET on CBS

If the Bills win, then they'll meet the New England Patriots in the divisional round. If the Jacksonville Jaguars reign victorious, then they'll head to Pittsburgh in a rematch of a Week 5 game in which the Jags won 30-9.

This matchup will largely depend on the status of Bills running back LeSean McCoy, who sprained his ankle against the Miami Dolphins. X-rays were negative, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, but his status for the wild-card matchup is up in the air. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network posted the latest news on Monday morning:

If McCoy, who is the engine that drives the Bills offense, can't play, then it's very hard to find a path for Buffalo to win. However, if McCoy is in (even at less than 100 percent), then the Bills have a chance if they grab an early lead and control the time of possession with a heavy dose of successful running plays.

We'll see how the week develops as far as McCoy's status goes, but if he's out, then the pick here is Jacksonville. If he's good to go, then this should be a close contest.

No. 5 Carolina Panthers at No. 4 New Orleans Saints: Sunday, 4:40 p.m. ET on Fox

The opponent for this game's winner won't be determined until the conclusion of the Falcons-Rams matchup. If the Falcons win, then the Saints-Panthers victor will face the Minnesota Vikings. However, if the Rams win, then New Orleans or Carolina will head to Philadelphia.

The Saints and Panthers played each other twice this season. In Week 3, New Orleans dominated Carolina en route to a 34-13 victory in Charlotte. In Week 14, the Saints rushed for 148 yards and three touchdowns at home to help give them a 31-21 win.

Although the Saints surprisingly lost to the 5-11 Tampa Bay Buccaneers to close the regular season, they have a big edge against the Panthers. New Orleans is 7-1 at home this year (compared to 4-4 on the road) and already beat Carolina twice. The Saints' well-balanced offense is hard for any team to stop, and the Panthers (who have a strong defense) haven't been able to figure it out. Of note, Saints running back Alvin Kamara has 168 yards and three touchdowns against Carolina this season on just 19 touches.

Also, the Carolina offense has struggled of late, having scored just 25 points following offensive possessions in its last two games (the team has scored 32 points overall, but one touchdown was off a kick return). Therefore, the edge goes to New Orleans in this matchup.