NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.

As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and several division titles.

NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic 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

1. Denver Broncos (13-3)
2. New England (13-3)
3. Jacksonville (12-4)
4. Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
5. Houston Texans (11-5)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
7. Buffalo (11-5)

The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.

Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.

National Football Conference Rankings

1. Seattle (13-3)
2. Chicago (11-5)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
4. Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
5. San Francisco (12-4)
6. L.A. Rams (11-5)
7. Green Bay (9-6)

The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.

Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, 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 valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.

On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.

For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.

Win or Go Home in the AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)

This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.

The Steelers have been up and down this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.

Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.

Battle for #1 in the NFC

Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)

Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.

This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.

The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash 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)

Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.

The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the division crown.

Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)

The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.

If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.

Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, 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)