NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the final two postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will secure the #4 spot and a home game in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and San Francisco, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams compete: the #2 team plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest surviving team. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting the critical importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the final game of the regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back could be the difference-maker for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle visits San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This game pits an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. Conversely, Seattle's defense is rated second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever 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 comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed chances to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they require another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup 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 control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit starters gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a win and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)
