The main point: After seventeen weeks and numerous touchdown celebrations by the Minnesota Vikings, and a Pro Bowl roster announcement, the final weekend of regular-season NFL games has arrived. Get ready for potential snubs as there are significant playoff implications on the line.
There are three division titles still up for grabs, including the NFC North, NFC South, and AFC North. The Baltimore Ravens have the chance to secure the AFC North title with a victory over the Cleveland Browns in their upcoming game.
In the NFC South, either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Atlanta Falcons will claim the division title, determining the final playoff spot in the NFC. The loser will miss out on the postseason completely. The highlight is the Sunday Night Football NFC North clash between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, where the winner earns the top spot in the conference and a valuable first-round bye.
Three teams, the Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, and Miami Dolphins, are competing for the final AFC playoff spot. If the Denver Broncos defeat the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs, they will secure their first playoff appearance since 2015. Otherwise, things get more complicated.
Philadelphia Eagles’ running back Saquon Barkley will be sitting out, ending his pursuit of the single-season rushing record. It’s a common practice for teams to rest key players ahead of the playoffs. The Eagles have already locked in the NFC’s No. 2 seed, but unfortunately, this also means Barkley won’t have a chance to make history.
The New England Patriots have a clear path to the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite typically aiming for victories, the Patriots could secure the top pick by losing to the playoff-bound Buffalo Bills in their upcoming game. It’s an unconventional strategy that may pay off in the long run.
