NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, far more is on the line, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the #4 spot and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jaguars loss to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia (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 NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The highlight, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home games throughout the play-offs.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, third hosts sixth, and #4 faces #5.
For the second round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the best remaining team, underscoring the critical importance of earning that top spot.
Win or Go Home in the AFC North
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Running back the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a physical, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. With QB Brock Purdy came back, the 49ers have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle quarterback their passer must avoid mistakes that have haunted him this year. Whoever wins this clash earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the title.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (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 seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory coupled with a Denver defeat would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat could see them passed by the Houston 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)
