At a Glance
- Steelers vs Ravens decide AFC North title and playoff spot.
- Falcons’ win over Saints gives Panthers NFC South crown.
- Broncos’ win over Chargers locks No. 1 AFC seed.
Why it matters: The outcomes set division champions, playoff berths, and determine which teams earn a first-round bye.
Sunday’s final NFL regular-season games set the stage for the postseason, with key matchups deciding division winners, playoff spots, and the coveted top seed in each conference.
AFC Playoff Landscape
Denver’s win over the Chargers would secure the No. 1 seed, giving them a bye. If Denver falls, the Patriots can take the top seed by beating the Dolphins, or the Jaguars if both Denver and Patriots lose.
- New England Patriots (East champions)
- Denver Broncos (West champions)
- Steelers or Ravens (North champions)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (South champions)
- Houston Texans (wild-card)
- Buffalo Bills (wild-card)
- Los Angeles Chargers (wild-card)
NFC Playoff Picture
The Seattle Seahawks already clinched the No. 1 seed after a 13-3 win over the 49ers. The Panthers captured the South division title thanks to the Falcons’ 19-17 win over the Saints.
| Conference | Division Champions |
|---|---|
| AFC | New England (East), Denver (West), Steelers/Ravens (North), Jaguars (South) |
| NFC | Seahawks (West), Eagles (East), Bears (North), Panthers (South) |
The top seed in each conference receives a bye to the Divisional Round, while the remaining teams compete in the Super Wild Card Weekend.
| Date | Games |
|---|---|
| Jan 10 | Super Wild Card Saturday: TBD vs TBD, TBD vs TBD |
| Jan 11 | Super Wild Card Sunday: TBD vs TBD, TBD vs TBD, TBD vs TBD |
| Jan 12 | Super Wild Card Monday: TBD vs TBD |
| Jan 17-18 | Divisional Round |
| Jan 25 | Conference Championships |
| Feb 8 | Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara |
Key Takeaways
- Steelers vs Ravens decide AFC North title.
- Panthers win NFC South after Falcons’ victory.
- Broncos’ result determines the No. 1 AFC seed and first-round bye.
The final Sunday games not only decide who advances but also shape the playoff bracket, setting the path to Super Bowl LX.
By Emily Carter Reynolds | News Of Philadelphia
