Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths remain open. However, far more is at stake, such as the coveted top seeds in each conference and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions on the line in a pair of winner-take-all matchups.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
AFC Standings
- Denver (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) / Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard teams.
Houston need a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to climb from fifth to the third seed. The Broncos will earn the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.
National Football Conference Rankings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay Packers (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting 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 spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between Seattle and the 49ers, 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 crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the critical importance of securing that #1 ranking.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter rivalry comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a postseason spot at stake, this is a genuine win-or-go-home situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens struggled early but remain in the hunt. Key injuries could be decisive: The Steelers may miss star receiver DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring battle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is on the line when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The victorious team claims the NFC's top seed and the road to the Super Bowl that it provides.
This game features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seattle defense. With QB their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer needs to cut down on mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive 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 game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have missed recent opportunities to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a win, they require help from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup 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)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A win over a Chargers team expected to sit key players gets it done.
Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win coupled with a Denver defeat would hand the top seed to New England.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the long shot. They need a triumph and defeats for both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable rise to the top. More pressingly, 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)
