Here is what’s at stake Sunday, when the National Football League playoff picture will crystallize.
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The Jets controlled their own destiny, needing only a win to advance, but ex-coach Rex Ryan and the Bills played spoiler.
The New England Patriots fell to number two seed after they suffered a 20-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Texans – If Houston beats Jacksonville (1 p.m. ET), it’s in. Bottom line? This was possibly the final game for Sean Payton and who knows, Drew Brees as well, for the Saints. This is a battle to decide the NFC North champion and the chance to host a wild card playoff game next weekend. The Steelers are facing a Cleveland Browns team that is in turmoil and starting Austin Davis at quarterback. The Jets have not made the playoffs since 2010. Green Bay dropped its final two regular-season games amid disconcerting offensive struggles, while Washington capped its campaign off with four straight wins.
There might be more work ahead of the Arizona Cardinals. The Chiefs will play the Texans or Steelers.
The Vikings win means the Vikings captured the #3 seed and will play the 6th seeded Seahawks.
FITZMAGIC: Fitzpatrick is tied with Vinny Testaverde for the franchise record with 29 touchdown passes this season, a personal high for the veteran quarterback. I had said last night I would have preferred the Packers to win so the Seahawks are the #5 seed but I think I have changed my mind on that. That win for Seattle helped Carolina lock in the top NFC seed, though the Panthers took care of their own business to finish 15-1. Things looked pretty different a week ago as it seemed like the Patriots might have to host the red-hot Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round and then if they win that, they would likely face the Denver Broncos or Cincinnati Bengals in the conference championship.
The Denver Broncos earned home-field advantage in the play-offs with a 27-20 win over the San Diego Chargers, clinching the top seed in the AFC.
Home-field advantage in both conferences remained in question because of Miami’s upset of New England. However, they still get a first-round bye.
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Phil Dawson’s 23-yard field goal in overtime lifted the San Francisco 49ers to a 19-16 win over the St Louis Rams. The Packers hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Seahawks, while the Seahawks hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Vikings.
