NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss 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 the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
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 steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (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 #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
