NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (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 Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win and a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
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 travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. The team that wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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 control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
