The highly anticipated NFL regular-season showdown between Detroit and Minnesota, often hailed as the 'Game of the Year,' concludes on Sunday.
The NFL reserved its premier prime-time slots for the decisive regular-season game on Sunday. The stakes couldn't be higher, as the champions of the AFC North and NFC North were yet to be determined.
The nail-biting finish to the season was imminent, with the division winners set to be decided within the next two days.
The AFC North champion would be crowned on Saturday, as the division leaders, the Baltimore Ravens (11-5), and second-place Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6), faced off in close-succession home matches. Both teams were assured of playoff spots, and the Ravens would clinch the division with a win over Cleveland. However, the Steelers held the tiebreaker over the Ravens, making them the division champions with a victory over Cincinnati and a Baltimore loss. Additionally, the Steelers' win would secure the last AFC playoff spot for Cincinnati, should Denver and Miami lose.
The most anticipated match of the season was set to take place on Sunday, as the 14-2 Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings would clash. Only the AFC No. 1 seed Kansas City (15-1) had a superior record, and the rematch between the two top-tier teams was laden with significance.
The victor of the Detroit-Minnesota match would earn the top seed in the NFC, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Their first game in the postseason would be at home against the lowest remaining seed, provided the NFL rearranges the playoff bracket after each round. Conversely, the loser would be relegated to the No. 5 seed, forcing them to travel for a first-round playoff game against either the Los Angeles Rams or the NFC South winners, Tampa Bay or Atlanta.
The NFC South title was up for grabs, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) needed a win or a tie against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday or a loss by the Atlanta Falcons (8-8), who held the tie-breaker.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Cleveland Browns (3-13) vs Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
Where to watch: ABC/ESPN/ESPN+, 4:30 pm ET
Pivotal matchup: Derrick Henry vs Browns Defense
Initial line: Ravens -19 1/2, rising from -17 1/2
The Ravens were heavily favored in some sectors - up to 20 1/2 points - in their attempt to avenge a 29-24 loss in Cleveland on October 27. In that game, Jameis Winston threw the final of his three touchdown passes with 59 seconds remaining, securing a major upset of the league.
Lamar Jackson, the Ravens' Most Valuable Player candidate, looked to bolster his MVP campaign by performing well in the final game of the regular season and defending his title. Jackson's 121.6 passer rating was nearing the league record of 122.5 set by Aaron Rodgers in 2011.
Derrick Henry sought his eighth 100-yard rushing game of the season, with an added incentive. If he scored a touchdown, he would trigger a $500,000 bonus, following his fifteenth touchdown this season. He had already earned $1.5 million in bonus money.
However, Jameis Winston was ruled out, and the line shifted further in Baltimore's favor when the Browns announced that Bailey Zappe would start. Zappe, a former New England backup, had not played a single game this year. The Cleveland Browns' stellar defensive end, Myles Garrett, led the league with 14 sacks.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
Where to watch: ABC/ESPN/ESPN+, 8 pm
Focal point: Joe Burrow vs Pittsburgh Defense
Preliminary line: Bengals -2 1/2
The Steelers' playoff hopes rested on the outcome of the first game as their chance to win the NFC North seemed unlikely, given the likelihood of a Baltimore victory. This situation would allow the Steelers to restrict playing time for their key players, ensuring they received a wild card game on the road the next week, should they finish as the second-place team in the division.
A Baltimore victory might give the Bengals a better opportunity to secure the seventh and final AFC wild card spot. They needed to beat Pittsburgh, have both Denver and Miami lose, and triumph over lesser opponents in the following postseason rounds. The Broncos were heavy favorites against the Kansas City Chiefs, who were expected to rest their star players. Miami also faced the New York Jets in the same time slot as the match between Kansas City and Denver.
Burrow was having an exceptional season, putting him in contention for the MVP, although this recognition usually went to a player in a weaker year. He had thrown for the most yardage in the league with 4,641 yards and 42 touchdowns, completing an impressive 69.8 percent of his passes. Bengals coach Zac Taylor was well aware of his weapon in Burrow, who also topped the league in passes attempted and completed.
Burrow had thrown for over 250 yards and three touchdowns in eight consecutive games, a new NFL record.
This match is historically significant before it even begins. It's the first time teams with at least 13 wins each and a combined 28 victories go head-to-head. However, this impressive stat is slightly blurred due to the fact that this is only the fourth season in the NFL where teams have played 17 games.
Both Goff and Darnold lead offenses that are full of energy and momentum. The Lions top the league with 33.3 points per game and are second only to Baltimore with 410.5 yards per game. They've averaged 37.5 points in their last four games, despite a 48-42 loss to Buffalo where their injury-hit defense conceded a season-high 559 yards.
Goff, despite his five-interception game, ranks second in the league in passer rating, with quarterbacks Jackson and Burrow ahead of him. The Lions' offensive arsenal is so diverse and versatile that they've managed to overcome the loss of halfback David Montgomery.
On the other hand, Darnold is having the best season of his career. Drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold stepped up when rookie starter J.J. McCarthy was injured in the preseason. He's thrown for 4,153 yards this season, significantly more than his previous best.
A 15-yard field goal by Jake Bates in the final 15 seconds secured a 31-29 win for the Lions on October 20. Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 116 yards and two touchdowns, while Amon-Ra St. Brown had 112 yards and a touchdown. Aaron Jones ran for 93 yards and scored, while Justin Jefferson also found the end zone.
The Baltimore Ravens, aiming to secure the AFC North title and clinch a playoff spot, will be focused on their business against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. In the same day, sportsmoney is at stake for Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals as they face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steeler's victory would guarantee Burrow a substantial bonus due to his touchdown count this season.
