NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a victory and a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team hosts the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the critical importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
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 victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they need help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the divisional championship.
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)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
