NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim 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 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. 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 #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title 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 regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give 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 rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the 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)
