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

As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. However, far more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.

The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.

Current NFL Play-Off Standings

American Football Conference Rankings

1. Denver (13-3)
2. New England Patriots (13-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
4. Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
5. Houston Texans (11-5)
6. L.A. Chargers (11-5)
7. Buffalo (11-5)

The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.

Houston require a win and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.

National Football Conference Rankings

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

The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.

The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.

Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format

The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.

On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.

In the second round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest 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 regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.

The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.

Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.

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 visits San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.

This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the NFL.

Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the playoff run.

The NFC South's Uncertain Finish

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)

Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the division.

For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the division crown.

Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy

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

Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.

Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.

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