NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- 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 NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens 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)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive edge 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 the Panthers have missed chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (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 likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)
