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 on the line, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle 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 both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the critical 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 final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
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 claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
