Entering the last weekend of the NFL regular season, only a pair of play-off spots are still up for grabs. However, far more is at stake, such as the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and four division titles.
NFL schedulers have crafted a perfect ending, with the two remaining play-off positions on the line in a pair of head-to-head contests.
The winner of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home-field advantage in the first playoff round. Meanwhile, Buffalo and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
Houston need a victory and a Jacksonville defeat to climb from the fifth seed to third. The Broncos will secure the #1 ranking with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
The South division will be claimed by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers game, granting them the fourth seed. Notably, the Panthers could still claim the divisional title even with a defeat, depending on other results.
Green Bay are set at the seventh spot. The highlight, however, is the battle for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and San Francisco, with a first-round bye and home playoff games on the line.
The #1 team in each conference receives a valuable bye week and home games for the duration of the play-offs.
On the Wild Card round, the remaining six playoff teams face off: the second seed hosts the #7 team, #3 plays #6, and #4 faces #5.
For the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the competition, facing the lowest remaining seed. The AFC and NFC title games are then played at the highest seed, highlighting the critical value of securing that top spot.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (01:20, Monday)
This bitter grudge match reaches its climax in the final game of the regular 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 started poorly but remain in the hunt. Player availability may prove critical: The Steelers may be without key target DK Metcalf, while the Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson is a doubt with a back injury.
Star rusher the powerful back might emerge as the difference-maker for Baltimore in what is set up as a hard-hitting, low-scoring struggle.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the division title is at stake when Seattle visits the 49ers. The victorious team claims the conference's #1 spot and the road to the championship game that comes with it.
This matchup features an explosive San Francisco attack against a dominant Seattle defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, San Francisco have been the NFL's top offense. On the other hand, the Seahawks' unit is rated among the best in the NFL.
Seattle QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. Whoever wins this clash gains a massive advantage for the playoff run.
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30 Saturday)
Both clubs comes into this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost four straight, while the Panthers have missed chances to clinch the division.
For Carolina it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the scenario is more complex. Even with a win, they require help from the Falcons-Saints game to steal the division crown.
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
Denver control their destiny for the AFC's top seed. A victory over a L.A. Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
Should Denver falter, the door opens for the New England Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Broncos loss would give the top seed to Bill Belichick's team.
Jacksonville are the long shot. They require a win and defeats for 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 AFC South.
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)
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