NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim 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 Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (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 play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit 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 season. The team that wins this clash 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)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, 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)
