NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (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 winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams face off: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for 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)