NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker 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)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup pits an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the league.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal 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 AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable 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)
