NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided 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 (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have haunted him this season. Whoever 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)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
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 dark horse. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
