NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win and a Jaguars loss to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (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 victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest 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 this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a huge 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 game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need 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)
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 Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the 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)
