NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, including the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
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 postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top earns 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 contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss 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)
