NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory and a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (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. Notably, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, 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)
