NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, 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 travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked second best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. 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)
