NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, a great deal more is at stake, such as the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four division titles.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places 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 Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
Houston need a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, defensive battle.
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 the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's unit is ranked second best in the league.
Seattle quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston 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)
