Author name: Omar Rodríguez

The number 1 seed in the NFC belongs to the Lions, after defeating the Vikings in a direct clash for this position. With this win, the Lions also became champions of the NFC North division. In a game with conference final-like intensity, the Detroit Lions overcame the Minnesota Vikings with a score of 31-9, thus claiming the best record in the NFC with the number 1 seed and also winning the division title for the second consecutive year in the NFC North. A close start The game at Ford Field began well for the hosts, with the first touchdown from Jahmyr Gibbs putting them ahead on the scoreboard. In the second quarter, the Vikings cut the lead with two field goals, thanks to a strong defense from Detroit that prevented any touchdowns. With a score of 7-6, the Lions extended their advantage with another field goal. After halftime, the game resumed with the Vikings closing the gap again with another field goal, bringing the score to 10-9, but that’s when Gibbs took over. Jahmyr Gibbs led the Lions to victory With just two and a half minutes left in the third quarter, Gibbs scored again to give the Lions a solid lead, after a pass from Jared Goff. In the final quarter, two more rushing touchdowns from Gibbs secured the 31-9 victory, with four touchdowns in total from Gibbs.

The Denver Broncos and Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched the last two playoff berths, setting the stage for an exciting Wild Card weekend scheduled for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Broncos Dominate Chiefs to Secure AFC Spot Needing a win to advance, the Broncos overwhelmed the Kansas City Chiefs with a decisive 38-0 victory. The Chiefs, already assured of the AFC’s top seed, rested their starters, allowing Denver to crush the postseason hopes of both the Bengals and Dolphins. Buccaneers Stage Comeback Against Saints Similarly, the Buccaneers needed a victory to make the playoffs. After trailing for three quarters, Tampa Bay rallied in the fourth, defeating the New Orleans Saints 27-19 to seal their spot. This eliminated the Atlanta Falcons, who had been hoping for a Bucs loss to sneak into the postseason. Playoff Matchups Set AFC Wild Card Games Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans. Chiefs hold the AFC’s top seed and have a bye NFC Wild Card Games Philadelphia Eagles vs. Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams. Lions hold the NFC’s top seed and have a bye. Wild Card Schedule (Central Time) Saturday, January 11 Texans vs. Chargers: 3:30 PM Ravens vs. Steelers: 7:00 PM Sunday, January 12 Bills vs. Broncos: 12:00 PM Eagles vs. Packers: 3:30 PM Buccaneers vs. Commanders: 7:00 PM Monday, January 13 Rams vs. Vikings: 7:00 PM

The Cincinnati Bengals fulfilled their task and defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 19-17 to wait for the miracle that will take them to the playoffs this season. With a great performance in the first three quarters, the Bengals got a 16-7 lead on the scoreboard, to finally hold that advantage and end up winning in the last quarter, despite the good response of the locals. You may be interested in: Four teams are in search of the playoffs today Thus, the Bengals are waiting for what their direct rivals do in the race for the last playoff berth in the AFC, the Broncos and the Dolphins, where a win for either of them, buries their hopes of qualifying for the postseason. Cover image: X (@Bengals)

The Falcons and Buccaneers will compete for the last playoff spot in the NFC. Broncos and Dolphins will define the same, but in the AFC, where Bengals also have possibilities of qualifying. The NFL regular season is about to come to an end, but before saying goodbye to it, to start thinking about the playoffs, four teams will dispute the last spots of the American Conference and the National Conference, which promises us a day full of excitement. The last spot in the NFC At exactly 12 p.m., Central Mexico Time, the matchups that will define the last NFC spot will be Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints. The Buccaneers only need to win their game against the Saints; with this result, they will catapult directly to the postseason. However, if the Bucs lose, the Falcons can access the playoffs if they win their match against the Panthers; if the Falcons lose, the Buccaneers advance automatically. A three-team battle in the AFC At 3:25 p.m., the games between Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins will decide the last invitee to the postseason in the American Conference, where three teams are still in the fight: Broncos, Dolphins, and Bengals, the latter waiting for the results of the first two after their victory over the Steelers. The Broncos only need to win against the Chiefs to quash the hopes of the other two teams. If Denver loses, the Dolphins would have the opportunity to enter the playoffs if they win their duel against the Jets, eliminating the Bengals. However, if both teams playing in the afternoon were to lose, the Cincinnati Bengals would advance as the seventh-best team in the AFC. Lions vs. Vikings, an unmissable match As an honorable mention for a matchup, where although both teams are already in the playoffs, there is still something at stake; it is about the number one seed in the NFC, where Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings will face off to be the best in the National Conference. We will undoubtedly have a conference final in this Week 18, which may give us hints of what we can expect in the playoff games. This match is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. Central Mexico Time. Cover image: X (@Broncos)

Week 18 of the NFL kicks off with Ravens vs. Browns and Steelers vs. Bengals. The Bengals must win to keep their playoff hopes alive, relying on two other results to go their way. The Stage Is Set for the Final Week The last week of the NFL regular season starts today, with five teams still in the hunt for the final playoff spots in their respective conferences. The day’s matchups feature the Baltimore Ravens taking on the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers facing the Cincinnati Bengals, with the latter being the highlight of Saturday’s slate. Ravens vs. Browns: A Formality The first game of the day is set for 3:30 p.m. CT at M&T Bank Stadium, where the playoff-bound Baltimore Ravens will host the eliminated Cleveland Browns. This game carries little consequence as the Ravens, with an 11-5 record, have secured their playoff berth and are on the verge of clinching their divisional title. On the other side, the Browns, with a dismal 3-13 record, are playing solely for pride and to end their season on a positive note. Steelers vs. Bengals: Do or Die The main event takes place at 7:00 p.m. CT, with the Bengals traveling to Acrisure Stadium to face the Steelers in a must-win situation. Cincinnati needs a victory to keep their playoff dreams alive while also relying on the outcome of other key games. The Steelers, boasting a 10-6 record, are one of the top teams in the AFC and present a formidable challenge. Meanwhile, the Bengals, sitting at 8-8, must win and hope for a miracle to secure their playoff spot. For Cincinnati to make the postseason, they need the Denver Broncos to lose their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins to fall to the New York Jets. If the Broncos win their game, they will claim the final playoff spot, eliminating the Bengals and the Dolphins from contention. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the NFL’s final week unfolds, promising drama and excitement until the last whistle.