NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense value of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
