NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. However, far more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, 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 (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory and a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (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 is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the division crown.
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)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
