NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. However, far more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home games throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on 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
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Houston 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)
