NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory and a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (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 Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
