NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win and a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
