NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots remain open. Yet, far more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (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. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston need a win and a Jacksonville loss to jump from fifth 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 snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles 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. Notably, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
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 first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of earning that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that comes out on top gains a massive edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
