NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. However, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a dramatic finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (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 contest will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for the Patriots or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the immense value of earning that #1 ranking.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce 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 genuine win-or-go-home scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, 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 the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This matchup pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB Brock Purdy returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with much momentum. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to secure the title.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, 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)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would give the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More pressingly, 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)
