NFC North Showdown, AFC Wild Card Race Heats Up, and Playoff Implications Abound

NFC North and AFC Wild Card Race Heats Up

The final week of the NFL regular season brings high stakes, with the NFC North title, the AFC's final wild-card spot, and playoff seeding all on the line.

The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings face off in a winner-take-all battle for the NFC North crown and the conference's top seed. The loser drops to the No. 5 seed, with the Lions holding the tiebreaker advantage.

The Denver Broncos control the AFC's final wild-card spot, but the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins cling to slim hopes.

Texans vs. Colts: The playoff-bound Texans, despite being locked into the AFC's No. 4 seed, plan to play their starters after a disappointing loss to Baltimore. The Titans, with the second draft pick, could move up to No. 1 with a loss.

Saquon Barkley's pursuit of Eric Dickerson's rushing record could be a highlight, but Eagles coach Nick Sirianni is undecided on playing starters with the No. 2 seed secured.

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens need a win to clinch the AFC North and the No. 3 seed. The Browns, with a five-game losing streak, hold the third draft pick and have a chance at No. 1 if the Patriots and Titans win.

The Falcons' NFC South hopes are dashed after a loss to Washington. They only make the playoffs with a win and a Buccaneers loss to the Saints.

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has led Washington to the playoffs. They'll be either the sixth or seventh seed in the NFC, allowing coach Dan Quinn to rest starters.

The Bears haven't won since losing to the Commanders. They could snap their 10-game losing streak if Packers coach Matt LaFleur rests his starters.

With the No. 2 seed secured, Bills coach Sean McDermott plans to rest some starters. The Patriots, with the No. 1 draft pick, could bench Drake Maye and benefit from trading the pick for more draft capital.

The Chargers, assured the fifth or sixth seed in the AFC, plan to play to win. The Raiders, out of the running for Shedeur Sanders, could fall further in the draft.

The NFC West champion Rams will be the third or fourth seed. The Seahawks could finish with the same number of wins but lost the tiebreaker.

The Cardinals missed the playoffs for the eighth time in nine seasons. The 49ers, plagued by injuries and inconsistency, won't defend their NFC title.

The Dolphins could start Tyler Huntley again with Tua Tagovailoa's hip injury. They make the playoffs with a win if the Chiefs beat the Broncos.

This is the game the Lions have waited for since last season's NFC championship loss. They aim for the No. 1 seed against Sam Darnold and the surprising Vikings. A tie also secures the top spot for Detroit.

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