NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, 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 #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
In the second round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry 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 true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to steal the division crown.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)