NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Scenarios for the Season Finale.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is on the line, including the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a dramatic finale, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (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-field advantage in the wildcard round. At the same time, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win and a Jacksonville loss to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
The Packers are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye 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 bye week and home-field advantage throughout the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
For the second round, the #1 seeds join the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, underscoring the critical importance of securing that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the last contest of the NFL season. The divisional title and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
The Steelers have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Key injuries may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's quarterback Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is on the line when the Seahawks visits San Francisco. The winner secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that it provides.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this season. Whoever comes out on top earns a massive edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team comes into this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a victory, they need help from the Atlanta-New Orleans game to claim the division crown.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an unlikely ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken 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)
