NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two postseason berths remain open. Yet, far more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in two direct head-to-head 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 Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the #4 position. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a valuable bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the critical value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This fierce 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 true elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while Baltimore started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this season. The team that wins this clash gains a huge edge for the postseason journey.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to secure the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Falcons-Saints game to claim the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (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 victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for both Denver and New England to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
