NFL Postseason Scenarios: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (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 Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, 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 receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains 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)
Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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 hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
