The main point: The NFL regular season finale delivered surprising upsets, unfortunate injuries, and finally set the stage for the 14-team playoff field. Get ready for the postseason with that TikTok buffalo chicken dip recipe!
AFC: The Tennessee Titans’ unexpected victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars secured all seven AFC playoff spots before Sunday Night Football started. However, the Buffalo Bills’ late win against the Miami Dolphins earned them the AFC East title and the No. 2 seed, just behind the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens.
The Jaguars’ elimination allowed the Pittsburgh Steelers to return to the playoffs after a year off and gave the Houston Texans the AFC South crown, sending rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud’s team to the postseason for the first time since 2019.
NFC: With “win and you’re in” scenarios on the line, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers secured playoff spots by beating the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield had a standout day, while Jordan Love showed he can handle the pressure under center for the Packers. New era begins…
In the NFC East, the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Washington Commanders to claim the No. 2 seed, while the Philadelphia Eagles, last year’s NFC champions, stumbled against the NY Giants and settled for the No. 5 seed. Tough break.
