NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (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 Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston 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)
