NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic ending, with the final two 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 (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the wildcard round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory and a Jaguars defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- 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 Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the #4 position. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
On the Wild Card round, the other six qualified teams compete: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the competition, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (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 at stake, this is a true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent this season, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, defensive struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge 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 contest with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed recent opportunities to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
