NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into 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, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed 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 earns a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
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 it provides.
This matchup pits an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the league.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the divisional championship.
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 hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. 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)
