NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided 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 Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a win and a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
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 on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a huge 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 game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim 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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. 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)
