NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is on the line, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback 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 will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks 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 earns a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever 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)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)
