NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, 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 both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)
