The NFL regular season is coming to a close. In both conferences, plenty of teams are still in position to claim either playoff spots and/or critical seedings during this final week. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens currently find themselves in a death match for the AFC North crown. This one game will decide the AFC North title. As teams jockey to set their playoff positions and home-field advantages, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Steelers can secure the AFC North title by achieving a win or tie against the Ravens on Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET, broadcasted on NBC and Peacock. A victory would help to guarantee their eventual division title. It would provide them an opportunity to lock up the No. 1 seed in the AFC. To complete this feat, they must win while hoping for losses from both the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots.
Key Matchups for Division Titles
The Jacksonville Jaguars can clinch the AFC South if any one of three outcomes occurs: a loss by the Buffalo Bills, a loss by the Los Angeles Chargers, or a loss by the Houston Texans. The Jaguars are focused on locking in their place in the postseason, so this weekend is crucial.
For the Texans, they’ve got their own route to an AFC South crown. They’ll earn their way with a win against division rival Indianapolis Colts this Sunday that kicks off at 1 p.m. ET. They’re looking for a Jacksonville loss to work the magic. The most important aspect of this competition between the AFC South is clearly increasing with both teams having huge implications on their playoff hopes.
NFC Contenders Seek Playoff Security
That’s why players like the San Francisco 49ers are on the verge of nailing down the NFC West. To become champions, all that’s left is defeating the Seattle Seahawks Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, as shown live on ABC and ESPN. Their strong performance against Seattle would not only lock them into a solid playoff position, but increase the burden on the teams that would challenge them.
At the same time, the Carolina Panthers could come within a game of doing the same in the NFC South. A win or tie against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET will put them in contention for the division title. If Atlanta beats their opponent, it allows Carolina to take the NFC South. This win could be a turning point for each squad.
Make no mistake, the Buccaneers will be looking intently at the games. A win by them, coupled with an Atlanta loss, will lock in the division crown! Between the amazing conference and national rivalries, this weekend could go a long way in determining the playoff field.
Final Week Excitement
And just like those teams getting ready to face no-compromise showdowns, fans are waiting with bated breath for the results that will shape their postseason destinies. The Broncos are in contention for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They can secure this position with a win or tie against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
This fierce competition puts tremendous pressure on them to win. It underscores the extent to which every playoff situation is inextricably bound up with every other team’s playoff fate. With so much at stake, players and coaches alike are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating finale to the regular season.
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