NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory and a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, 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 valuable bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the division crown.
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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)