NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win and a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (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 Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (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 L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
