NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (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 (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory and a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- 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 South division is up for grabs 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 results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive edge 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 seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville 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 importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Houston 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)
