NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. 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 division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the regular 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 up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive 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 game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the divisional championship.
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)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England 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 defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
