Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions (Image Credit: Getty Images)
With just three weeks left in the regular season, the 2024 NFL playoff race is heating up. Teams are battling for top seeds, home-field advantage, and the last few wild-card spots. From rookie debuts to fierce divisional rivalries, these matchups will shape the postseason.

Let’s break down the 10 most impactful games remaining on the schedule.

10. Falcons at Commanders

Week 17 | Sunday, Dec. 29 | 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC

The Falcons are handing the reins to rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and this will likely be just his second career start. Meanwhile, the Commanders are clinging to the NFC’s final wild-card spot. Both teams are fighting for survival: Washington to secure their playoff position and Atlanta to keep their NFC South hopes alive. The stakes are high in this Sunday night showdown.

9. Bengals at Steelers

Week 18 | Jan. 4 or 5 | Time TBD
The Bengals have a slim 4.4% chance of making the playoffs, but there’s still hope. They need to win out, starting with a Week 16 matchup against the Browns, followed by the Broncos in Week 17. If Cincinnati pulls off those victories, this AFC North clash in Pittsburgh could keep their postseason dreams alive. Even if eliminated, don’t count out Joe Burrow to play spoiler against the Steelers.

8. Chiefs at Broncos

Week 18 | Jan. 4 or 5 | Time TBD

Kansas City’s No. 1 seed isn’t guaranteed yet. Patrick Mahomes, dealing with injuries, faces tough opponents in the Texans and Steelers leading up to this finale. Denver, still in playoff contention, will be motivated to avenge their earlier loss to the Chiefs. This game could impact both teams’ seeding and momentum heading into the postseason.

7. Eagles at Commanders

Philadelphia can lock up the NFC East with a win here, but a loss could derail Washington rookie Jayden Daniels’ impressive playoff bid. The Commanders are vying to hold their wild-card spot, while the Eagles need this victory to stay in the hunt for the NFC’s top seed. Expect a hard-fought battle in Washington.

6. Cardinals at Rams

Week 17 | Saturday, Dec. 28 | 8 p.m. ET | NFL Network

The NFC West has been a rollercoaster all season. The Rams lead the division at 8-6, while the Cardinals sit at 7-7. This game in Los Angeles could determine the division champion. The Rams will be looking for revenge after a blowout loss to Arizona earlier in the year, and the winner will likely control their playoff destiny.

5. Chiefs at Steelers

Week 17 | Wednesday, Dec. 25 | 1 p.m. ET | Netflix

This Christmas Day showdown in Pittsburgh promises fireworks. The Chiefs (13-1) are the NFL’s gold standard, but the Steelers (10-4) have been gritty under Mike Tomlin. If Pittsburgh slips against the Ravens in Week 16, they’ll need this win to maintain playoff positioning. Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ focus will be on locking up the AFC’s top spot.

4. Seahawks at Rams

Week 18 | Jan. 4 or 5 | Time TBD

The NFC West is anyone’s guess, and this game could determine the champion. The Rams may be in a win-or-go-home situation, while Seattle will hope Geno Smith is fully healthy to lead them to victory. Their last matchup went to overtime, so expect another close contest with everything on the line.

3. Packers at Vikings

Week 17 | Sunday, Dec. 29 | 1 p.m. ET | Fox

These NFC North rivals always deliver drama. The Packers are 10-4 and could have their NFL playoff spot secured before this game, but they’ll still be eager to make a statement. The Vikings, however, may need this win to keep their postseason hopes alive. Their previous meeting was a thriller, with Minnesota narrowly escaping Lambeau Field with a 31-29 victory.

2. Steelers at Ravens

Week 16 | Saturday, Dec. 21 | 4:30 p.m. ET | Fox

Pittsburgh has been a thorn in Lamar Jackson’s side, defeating the Ravens 18-16 earlier this season. A win here would give the Steelers the AFC North crown and solidify Mike Tomlin’s Coach of the Year case. For the Ravens, it’s about securing home-field advantage and proving they can overcome their toughest division rival.

1. Vikings at Lions

Week 18 | Jan. 4 or 5 | Time TBD

The Lions have been the NFC’s breakout team, but injuries and a recent loss to Buffalo have put their top seed in jeopardy. If the Vikings can stay hot, this game could decide both the NFC North and the conference’s top seed. When these two last met, Detroit outlasted Minnesota in a high-scoring thriller. Expect another electrifying showdown to close out the regular season.