NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct 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 (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle 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-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of earning 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 final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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 AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. 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)
