NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
Houston require a victory and a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (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 Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
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 AFC's top seed. A victory 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 coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, 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)
