NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. However, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory and a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (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 Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Texans in the AFC South.
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)