NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
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 travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
