NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (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 claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (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 Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)