NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win and a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens 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 on the line when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed 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)