NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory and a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (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 is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
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 travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
