NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is on the line, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- 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 secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a victory and a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (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 game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the other six qualified teams compete: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the critical value of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a true win-or-go-home situation.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore 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 NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever wins this clash earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the divisional championship.
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 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 door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the 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)
