NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a loss 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 Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's 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 promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback 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
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, 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)
