NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a defeat, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a huge edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
