NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions to be decided in two direct 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)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor 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 the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed 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 earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville 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 importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
