NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still win the division even with a defeat, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the title.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (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 L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the Houston 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)
