NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- 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 Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as 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 travels to the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup 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)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
