Fans across the country are gearing up for the final stretch of the 2024 NFL season, and Week 17 brings three exciting matchups with substantial playoff stakes. On Saturday, December 28, 2024, the NFL schedule is highlighted by the Los Angeles Chargers facing off against the New England Patriots, the Denver Broncos taking on the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Arizona Cardinals going head-to-head with the Los Angeles Rams.
The Chargers will kick off the day's action at 1:00 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, facing the already-eliminated Patriots. The Chargers (9-6) are eager to secure their playoff position. With any playoff dreams crushed for the Patriots (3-12), they are likely more focused on spoiling their opponents' season.
Next, at 4:30 p.m. ET, the Denver Broncos will meet the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Both teams share the urgency of needing to win. The Broncos, having not qualified for the playoffs since their Super Bowl victory during the 2015 season, are on the brink of clinching their spot this year; all they need to do is win this game. Meanwhile, the Bengals, led by star quarterback Joe Burrow, hold onto slim hopes — they must win to remain competitive for the last AFC playoff spot.
Meanwhile, Burrow has been lighting up the league this season, leading the NFL with over 4,229 passing yards and tied for the most touchdowns with 39. His connection with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who leads the league with 108 receptions, 1,510 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns, showcases why this duo strikes fear among defenses. Together, they are pushing the Bengals to avoid postseason elimination.
To cap off the day, the NFC West clash between the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium. Despite being out of the playoff chase, the 7-8 Cardinals are set to challenge the Rams as they pursue their own playoff ambitions. The Rams need to secure the win and clinch the strength of victory tiebreaker over the Seattle Seahawks, complicate matters by needing multiple teams to cooperate for favorable outcomes.
With the Kansas City Chiefs having already locked up the top seed of the AFC by clinching their playoff berth earlier this week, the stakes are high for every remaining team. Each game this weekend could dramatically shift the playoff picture as teams scramble for their chances. Coach Brandon Staley’s Chargers and Coach Sean McVay’s Rams will need all hands on deck, relying heavily on their top players to capitalize on this win-and-in situation.
It’s fitting, as the season approaches its final week, to reflect on how each contest plays out, influencing the narratives leading up to the playoffs. The Chargers, already eyeing the postseason, need to keep their foot on the pedal and secure the victory against the Patriots. Meanwhile, the Bengals must rely on their big-play ability to keep their postseason aspirations alive against the Broncos.
With all three games being televised on NFL Network, fans are reminded to tune in to catch the action live. The dynamic nature of these last games will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, thrilled by the unpredictable outcomes and significant moments.
For avid football fans, the excitement doesn’t stop here. Tomorrow’s schedule features even more intriguing matchups as teams jockey for position heading to the playoffs, making every Sunday extremely important.
