NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (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 winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor 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 NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
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 control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)
