NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, including the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (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 Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. 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 #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked among the best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a huge advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the division crown.
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)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory 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 losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss 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)
