NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win and a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim 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)
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 key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
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)
