The curtain falls on the NFL's regular season this Sunday, delivering a dramatic finale packed with playoff-deciding drama. The action kicks off with six early games starting at 6pm GMT, where several division titles and postseason berths will be settled in nail-biting fashion.
NFC South Showdown in Atlanta
All eyes will be on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a hugely impactful matchup. The Atlanta Falcons (7-9) host the New Orleans Saints (6-10) in a game that will finally decide the winner of the NFC South. In a twist fitting for this chaotic division, neither the Carolina Panthers (8-9) nor the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) are involved, having squandered chances to claim the title outright.
The scenario is clear-cut: if the Falcons win, the Carolina Panthers advance to the playoffs. If the Saints win or the game ends in a tie, then the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will progress. It promises a tense conclusion to the divisional race.
AFC South and the Hunt for the Number One Seed
Meanwhile, in the AFC, the Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) face the Tennessee Titans (3-13) with everything on the line. The Jaguars must win to clinch the AFC South title and keep their hopes alive for the coveted No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, which comes with a first-round bye and home-field advantage.
Their fate is intertwined with that of the Houston Texans (11-5), who play the Indianapolis Colts (8-8). The Texans will be praying for a Jaguars loss, as a victory over the Colts would then allow them to steal the division crown at the last possible moment.
A Full Slate of Decisive Action
The early window also features other intriguing contests, including the Green Bay Packers (9-6-1) visiting the Minnesota Vikings (8-8) and the Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1) taking on the New York Giants (3-13). These games will further shape the playoff picture before a later slate of seven more matches definitively settles the destination of the No. 1 seed in both conferences.
It marks a thrilling bookend to a season that began with dramatic moments like the Buffalo Bills' remarkable 40-25 comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens back in September. As the final whistle blows on the regular season, the path to the Super Bowl will be set.
