NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Scenarios for the Final Week.
As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is on the line, including the highly desired top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect ending, with the two remaining postseason places on the line in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (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 fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a win coupled with a Jacksonville defeat to jump from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the top seed with a triumph, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or Jacksonville to claim it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay game, earning them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
The Packers are locked into the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the second round, the top seeds join the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of earning that #1 ranking.
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 regular season. The divisional title and a play-off berth at stake, this is a true elimination scenario.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Key injuries may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a health issue.
Running back the powerful back might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks travels to the 49ers. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the path to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an high-powered San Francisco attack against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer came back, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' defense is rated second best in the league.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this season. Whoever comes out on top gains a massive edge for the playoff run.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this contest with strong form. Tampa Bay have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. The Buccaneers, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the divisional championship.
Three-Way Fight for AFC Supremacy
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A win over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat 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 rise to the top. More pressingly, a Jaguars loss could see them passed by the 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)
