NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (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 will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle 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 each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning 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 last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top 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)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
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 hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
