NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (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 South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable 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)