NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted top seeds in both conferences and several division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard teams.
The Texans need a victory and a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to third. Denver will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the lowest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, highlighting the immense importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match 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 win-or-go-home scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this game with strong form. Tampa Bay have lost four straight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup 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)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. 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)
