NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (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 will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance 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 last contest 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 the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (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.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a triumph and losses by 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 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)
