NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots remain open. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in two direct winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory and a Jacksonville loss 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 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 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference earns a crucial bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent this season, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold must avoid costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game 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 win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed 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)
