NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
