Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, just two postseason berths remain open. Yet, a great deal more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in both conferences and four divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining 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 (8-8)
- Houston (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo (11-5)
The winner of the Steelers-Ravens game will secure the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston require a victory and a Jaguars defeat to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. Denver will earn the #1 ranking with a win, but a loss could pave the way for New England or the Jaguars to claim it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (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 winner of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, depending on other outcomes.
Green Bay are set at the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a week off and home playoff games hanging in the balance.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The top seed in each conference receives a crucial bye week and home-field advantage for the duration of the play-offs.
On Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the seventh, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds join the fray, facing the weakest remaining seed. The conference title games are then played at the best remaining team, highlighting 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 reaches its climax in the final game of the NFL season. The divisional title and a play-off berth on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down this season, while the Ravens started poorly but are still in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may be without key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller their MVP QB is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what promises to be a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle travels to San Francisco. The winner 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 stingy Seattle defense. Since quarterback Brock Purdy came back, San Francisco have been the league's top offense. Conversely, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' quarterback their passer must avoid costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that wins this clash earns a huge edge for the playoff run.
The NFC South's Uncertain Finish
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs enters this game with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while Carolina have squandered chances to secure the title.
The Panthers it's straightforward: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is trickier. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to claim 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)
Denver control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to New England.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They need a win and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to achieve an unlikely rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the 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)
