NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, including the coveted top seeds in each conference and several division titles.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore contest will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a win and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from fifth to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, earning them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still win the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the #2 team hosts the seventh, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense value of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may be without key target DK Metcalf, while Baltimore's quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a back injury.
Star rusher Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for Baltimore in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring battle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when the Seahawks visits the 49ers. The victorious team secures the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the league'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 mistakes that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top earns 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 contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped four straight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
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)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to New England.
Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to pull off an improbable 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)