The National Football League playoff race is on fire! With wildcard spots secured and division champs crowned, Sunday’s games will define the postseason battles.
The NFL regular season is reaching its climax, and December 29 is packed with must-see matchups. Nine games are on the schedule, featuring fierce rivalries, critical playoffs, and high-stakes showdowns that could shape the postseason picture.
Fans cheer during the Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers game in Detroit, Michigan, on December 5, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
From game times to team records and viewing options, we’ve got all the details you need to enjoy the action. Get ready for an electrifying day of football!
Fans watch the Buffalo Bills play the Arizona Cardinals at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York, on September 25, 2016 | Source: Getty Image
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles lead the National Football Conference (NFC) East with a 12-3 record and are aiming to improve their playoff seeding with a win. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys, sitting at 7-8, must win to stay alive in the playoff race. This game kicks off at 1:00 p.m. EST and will air on Fox.
Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles face off at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on November 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills, with a 12-3 record, are battling for a higher playoff seed. The New York Jets, at 4-11, have been eliminated from playoff contention but will look to upset their division rivals. This game begins at 1:00 p.m. EST on CBS.
New York Jets score a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on October 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold an 8-7 record and are battling for the NFC South lead and a playoff berth. The Carolina Panthers, at 4-11, are out of contention but could spoil Tampa Bay’s postseason hopes. Catch this game at 1:00 p.m. EST on CBS.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers run the ball against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, on December 1, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Giants
The Indianapolis Colts, with a 7-8 record, are clinging to slim playoff hopes and need a win to stay in contention. The New York Giants, sitting at 2-13, have been eliminated from playoff contention and are aiming to snap their 10-game losing streak. This game starts at 1:00 p.m. EST and airs on Fox.
New York Giants play against the Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on January 1, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Las Vegas Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints
The Las Vegas Raiders, at 3-12, and the New Orleans Saints, at 5-9, have both been eliminated from playoff contention. However, the Saints aim to finish their season strong, while the Raiders look to build on a rare win last week. Watch this game at 1:00 p.m. EST on Fox.
New Orleans Saints react in the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Caesars Superdome in Louisiana on October 30, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars, both with 3-12 records, are out of the playoff race. However, this American Football Conference (AFC) South rivalry promises to deliver intensity as both teams fight for pride. The game begins at 1:00 p.m. EST on CBS.
Jacksonville Jaguars score a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Tennessee, on December 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns
The Miami Dolphins, with a 7-8 record, must win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Cleveland Browns, sitting at 3-12, are out of contention but could spoil Miami’s postseason plans. This game starts at 4:05 p.m. EST and airs on CBS.
Miami Dolphins play the Cleveland Browns at Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on November 13, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings, with a 13-2 record, are tied with the Lions for the NFC North lead. They are on an impressive eight-game winning streak heading into this matchup. The Green Bay Packers, with a 10-4 record, are looking to improve their postseason seeding. Watch this game at 4:25 p.m. EST on Fox.
Green Bay Packers celebrate a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin on September 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders
The Atlanta Falcons face off against the Washington Commanders in a high-stakes primetime showdown. With a 10-5 record, the Commanders have already secured a wildcard spot, while the 8-7 Falcons are in a must-win battle to keep their postseason dreams alive. Catch the action at 8:20 p.m. EST on NBC.
Atlanta Falcons run the ball against the Washington Commanders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on October 15, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Playoff & Wildcard Clinches
The playoff picture is coming into focus, with several teams securing their spots in the postseason. In the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings have clinched wild cards. In the AFC, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have also secured wildcard spots.
Baltimore Ravens react during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on December 21, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As for division titles, the Houston Texans clinched the AFC South, the Kansas City Chiefs secured the AFC West, and the Buffalo Bills captured the AFC East.
Buffalo Bills celebrate in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium in New York on December 22, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
With so much on the line this week, fans won’t want to miss a second of the action. Traditional TV viewers can watch on major networks like CBS, ESPN, Fox, NBC, ABC, or NFL Network.
Kansas City Chiefs scramble from the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first quarter of the AFC Wild Card Playoff at Arrowhead Stadium on January 16, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
For those looking for convenient ways to catch the action, several streaming platforms have you covered. Watch your favorite teams battle it out on Peacock, Paramount+, or ESPN+, or take the action on the go with Westwood One Sports and Sirius XM.
Jacksonville Jaguars facing off against the Las Vegas Raiders in Jacksonville, Florida on November 6, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
For even more options, services like NFL+, Sunday Ticket, Amazon Prime, and Netflix make it easy to follow the games wherever you are.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California, on December 4, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
This Sunday’s games feature pivotal wildcard battles and intense division rivalries that could shape the season.
Fans cheer during the first half of the Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Jets game at MetLife Stadium on October 13, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
No matter how you’re watching — on the big screen or streaming on your phone — the thrill is real. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of football!
