With the NFL season winding down, Week 17 brings exciting Saturday matchups for fans across the nation. This weekend, three pivotal games are set to be aired, marking the league's continued expansion of its scheduling to include more weekend football. Football enthusiasts should prepare as the Los Angeles Chargers take on the New England Patriots, the Denver Broncos face the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Arizona Cardinals meet the Los Angeles Rams.
The first game kicks off with the Los Angeles Chargers visiting the New England Patriots at 1 p.m. Eastern time, broadcast exclusively on the NFL Network. This matchup holds great significance as the Chargers look to secure their playoff berth following their recent win over the Denver Broncos. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has emphasized the importance of this game, noting, "We knew the implications of it. We emphasized all week this is a playoff game for us." He and the team understand the stakes clearly, needing nothing less than victory against the struggling Patriots, who have been eliminated from postseason contention.
Fans interested in watching the Chargers and Patriots can do so through various means. While the game will be aired nationally on the NFL Network, several streaming services offer access without hefty subscription commitments. Viewers can take advantage of free trials from platforms like FuboTV or DirecTV Stream, both of which are providing promotional deals for new customers. Sling TV also features competitive pricing for those wanting to catch the action.
The game is particularly important for the Chargers, who will secure their spot in the playoffs with a win. With their current record standing at 9-6, they come to this game not only aiming to confirm their postseason credentials but also to keep momentum from their previous victory. The Patriots, once perennial postseason contenders, now sit at the bottom of the division with a disappointing 3-12 record. Coach Jerod Mayo's squad has seen five consecutive losses and, following their recent close fight against the Buffalo Bills, they are now poised to focus on building for the future.
The second game of the Saturday tripleheader features the Denver Broncos going against the Cincinnati Bengals at 4:30 p.m. Eastern. Both teams are eyeing playoff positions, making this matchup equally thrilling. Fans can also catch this game on the NFL Network, with the possibility of streaming through FuboTV, Sling, and other services just like the earlier game.
Meanwhile, the final game of the day caps off with the Arizona Cardinals facing off against the Los Angeles Rams at 8 p.m. Eastern. This matchup is notable as both teams vie for postseason glory, especially with the Rams seeking revenge for their earlier loss to the Cardinals earlier this season.
Providing varied watching options, many fans can resort to local network channels during local broadcast times as well. For example, the Chargers vs. Patriots game will air on KCBS-2 for those residing closer to Los Angeles and on WCVB for viewers based near Boston. The other games will similarly have local channels available for dedicated fans.
All these games come with substantial playoff implications. The Chargers know they could clinch their spot with favorable outcomes, as numerous scenarios play out hinging on the results from their contest. There's even buzz about the growing rookie quarterback Drake Maye from New England, who's shown promise amid turmoil. Despite the Patriots holding the second overall pick for the upcoming draft, Maye remains optimistic about building for the future, stating, "We’re just plays away, and it’s basically me turning the ball over. I think it’s just a testimony to these guys who keep fighting. We keep fighting." This sentiment captures the resilience both the team and its rookie have as they tackle the remaining challenges head-on.
With streaming platforms on the rise, how fans engage with the NFL has dramatically shifted. NFL+ is another option for dedicated fans, providing access to all national games, including those broadcast across various networks. For just $7/month, it allows access from multiple devices, making it easier than ever to catch up on your favorite teams. While for those seeking intense sports-focused coverage, packages on platforms like Fubo and YouTube TV remain competitive, often including many more channels besides the NFL Network.
All signals lead to Saturday becoming quite the entertaining day for football aficionados. The excitement is palpable as teams set their stages, needing to demonstrate their capabilities on both sides of the ball, with playoff aspirations at the front of each player's mind. With pivotal stakes involved, fans are sure to tune in to what promises to be three thrilling matchups.