NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (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 secure 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.
Houston require a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (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, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
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 secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
