NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (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 Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
