NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a win and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way 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 (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker 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)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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 expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots 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)
