NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off 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-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry 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 genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash gains 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)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (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 Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
