NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two play-off spots are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect finale, with the final two postseason places to be decided in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor 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 the Chargers are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The South division is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between Seattle and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds join the competition, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical value of securing that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
The Steelers have been inconsistent all year, while the Ravens struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry 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)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team secures the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is ranked among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. Whoever comes out on top gains a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to steal the division crown.
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)
Denver hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable 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)
