NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, 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.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens 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 NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, 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)
