Sun Jan 04 20:30:00 UTC 2026: News Article:

NFL Playoff Picture Comes Into Focus: Final Week Promises Drama

The final week of the NFL regular season is set to be a nail-biter, with three division titles and two playoff spots still up for grabs. While the Seattle Seahawks have locked up the NFC’s top seed and a first-round bye after their dominant win over the 49ers, chaos reigns elsewhere.

In the NFC South, an unusual scenario unfolds as the already-eliminated Atlanta Falcons can decide the division winner in their game against the New Orleans Saints. A Falcons victory would create a three-way tie, handing the title to the Carolina Panthers. A Saints win, however, would award the division to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Over in the AFC, the Denver Broncos control their destiny for the top seed, needing only a win against a Chargers team resting key players. The New England Patriots can secure at least the second seed with a win against the Dolphins, and potentially the top spot if Denver falters.

Several teams face win-or-go-home scenarios, most notably the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens who clash in a Sunday night showdown for the AFC North’s playoff berth. The Jaguars, Texans, Chargers and Bills have clinched the playoffs as well and are attempting to play for higher seeding in the final week of the season.

In the NFC, the Bears and Eagles can play for seeding while, the Rams and 49ers fight for position and the Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The Panthers and Buccaneers are in the mix to face the NFC’s elite in the playoffs.

Tune in this Sunday for a thrilling conclusion to the NFL regular season, as playoff dreams are made and broken.

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