NFL Play-Off Picture: Key Deciders & Outcomes for the Season Finale.

Entering the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, including the coveted #1 rankings in each conference and four divisional crowns.

The schedule makers have produced a perfect finale, with the final two play-off positions to be decided in two direct head-to-head contests.

Current NFL Play-Off Standings

AFC Standings

1. Denver Broncos (13-3)
2. New England (13-3)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)
4. Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
5. Houston Texans (11-5)
6. L.A. Chargers (11-5)
7. Buffalo (11-5)

The winner of the Steelers-Ravens contest will claim the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Los Angeles are set as wildcard entrants.

The Texans need a win 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 setback could pave the way for New England or Jacksonville to snatch it.

National Football Conference Rankings

1. Seattle (13-3)
2. Chicago Bears (11-5)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
4. Carolina (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
5. San Francisco (12-4)
6. L.A. Rams (11-5)
7. Green Bay (9-6)

The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Carolina-Tampa Bay matchup, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, Carolina could still claim the division even with a loss, contingent on other results.

The Packers are set at the seventh spot. The marquee matchup, though, is the clash for the NFC's top seed between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a first-round bye and home playoff games hanging in the balance.

Understanding the NFL Play-Off Format

The top seed in each conference receives a crucial first-round bye and home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason.

During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six qualified teams face off: the #2 team plays the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.

For the Divisional Round, the #1 seeds enter the fray, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC championship games are then played at the best remaining team, underscoring the immense importance of earning that top spot.

AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)

This fierce 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 win-or-go-home situation.

Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while Baltimore started poorly but remain in contention. Key injuries could be decisive: Pittsburgh may miss key target their top wideout, while Baltimore's signal-caller Lamar Jackson is questionable with a back injury.

Star rusher Derrick Henry might emerge as the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, low-scoring battle.

NFC West Showdown for the Top Seed

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)

Not only the NFC West is on the line when Seattle travels to the 49ers. The winner secures the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that it provides.

This matchup features an explosive 49ers offense against a dominant Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated second best in the NFL.

The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold must avoid mistakes that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top gains a huge advantage for the playoff run.

The NFC South's Uncertain Finish

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)

Both clubs enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have dropped seven of eight, while the Panthers have missed chances to secure the division.

The Panthers it's straightforward: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the scenario is more complex. Even with a victory, they require another result 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)
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)

The Denver Broncos control their destiny for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.

Should Denver falter, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would hand the top seed to New England.

Jacksonville are the dark horse. They require a triumph and losses by both Denver and New England to achieve an improbable ascent to #1. More importantly, a Jacksonville defeat 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)