NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
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)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)