NFL Postseason Scenarios: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.

As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four division titles.

The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.

Current NFL Play-Off Standings

AFC Standings

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

The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.

The Texans require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.

National Football Conference Rankings

1. Seattle (13-3)
2. Chicago Bears (11-5)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
4. Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
5. San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
7. Green Bay Packers (9-6)

The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still win the division even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.

The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.

How the NFL Postseason Works

The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.

On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.

For the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting 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 grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.

Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.

Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.

Battle for #1 in the NFC

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

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

This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the league.

The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge for the playoff run.

The NFC South's Uncertain Finish

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)

Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.

The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.

AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.

Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. 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)