NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
Entering the final week of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, far more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC earns a crucial first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the top seeds join the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, highlighting the immense importance 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 reaches its climax in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB 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 struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is at stake when Seattle visits San Francisco. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. 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. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need help from the Falcons-Saints game 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken 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)
