NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (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 winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry 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 win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever comes out on top 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 comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers 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 Falcons-Saints game to steal 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)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
