NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home games throughout 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.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
