NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path 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, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
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 clinch the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve 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)
