NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. However, far more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, 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 bitter grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
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)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
