Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, only a pair of postseason berths are still up for grabs. Yet, far more is at stake, including the highly desired top seeds in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a perfect ending, with the final two play-off positions on the line in two direct winner-take-all matchups.
The victor of the Steelers-Ravens contest will secure the #4 spot and a home-field advantage in the wildcard round. Meanwhile, the Bills and Los Angeles are locked in as wildcard entrants.
The Texans require a victory coupled with a Jaguars defeat to jump from fifth to third. Denver will secure the top seed with a win, but a setback could pave the way for the Patriots or the Jaguars to snatch it.
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, earning them the #4 position. Notably, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a loss, contingent on other outcomes.
Green Bay are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage hanging in the balance.
The #1 team in each conference earns a valuable first-round bye and home games for the duration of the postseason.
During Wildcard Weekend, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the weakest surviving team. The AFC and NFC title games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense value of securing that top spot.
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the NFL season. With the AFC North and a play-off berth at stake, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been inconsistent all year, while Baltimore struggled early but are still in contention. Player availability could be decisive: The Steelers may miss key target their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is a doubt with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the difference-maker for Baltimore in what promises to be a hard-hitting, defensive battle.
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 secures the NFC's top seed and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's highest scorers. On the other hand, Seattle's defense is ranked second best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB their passer needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have haunted him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a huge advantage for the postseason journey.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with strong form. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered recent opportunities to clinch the division.
The Panthers it's simple: a victory gets them in. For Tampa Bay, the situation is trickier. Even with a victory, they require help from the Falcons-Saints matchup to claim the divisional championship.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team likely to rest starters gets it done.
If the Broncos lose, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A New England victory combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an improbable rise to the top. More importantly, a Jaguars loss could allow them to be overtaken by the Texans in the division standings.
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)
