Today, the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Rams are just one win away from clinching their spots in the NFL playoffs. Each team faces opponents who have already been eliminated from postseason contention, making this a pivotal day in the race for the playoffs.
Chargers and Broncos in Indirect Playoff Battle
One of the day’s most intriguing storylines involves the Chargers and Broncos, though the two teams won’t face each other directly.
At 12:00 p.m. CST, the Los Angeles Chargers will take on the New England Patriots. The Chargers are aiming for a potential 10-6 record, which would tie them with the Pittsburgh Steelers as the fifth seed in the AFC standings.
Later, at 3:30 p.m. CST, the Denver Broncos will visit the Cincinnati Bengals with the same objective as the Chargers: securing a 10-6 record. However, the Broncos currently trail the Chargers in the standings due to head-to-head losses earlier in the season. If both teams win, Denver will remain the AFC’s seventh and final playoff seed, while Los Angeles moves closer to solidifying a higher spot.
Rams Eye NFC West Title
In the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams will face the Arizona Cardinals at 7:10 p.m. CST. While the Rams hold the third seed in the NFC due to their first-place standing in the NFC West, their 9-6 record leaves them trailing behind teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and Washington Commanders in overall win totals.
The Rams’ priority is securing the top spot in the NFC West. The Seattle Seahawks, their closest divisional rival, have the same number of wins but one additional loss, keeping them in second place for now. A win tonight against the Cardinals would significantly bolster the Rams’ divisional lead.
Notably, all three playoff-chasing teams—Chargers, Broncos, and Rams—face franchises that are already eliminated from postseason contention. The Patriots, Bengals, and Cardinals have shifted focus to rebuilding for next season, offering a favorable opportunity for the playoff hopefuls to capitalize.
With the stakes high and the matchups seemingly in their favor, today’s games could play a decisive role in shaping the playoff picture for the 2024 NFL season.
