NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win and a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch 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 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. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB 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
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The winner secures 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 dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive advantage 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. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by 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)
