NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (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 Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle 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 both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever 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)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: 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 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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
