Play-off and draft races heat up - 5 NFL storylines

Michael McQuaid of Pro Football Ireland looks at some of the key storylines ahead of the 16th week of the 2024 NFL season, which gets underway tonight (1.15am Irish time) with the visit of the Denver Broncos to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Play-off permutations

With three weeks of the regular season remaining, this weekend is crucial for several teams aiming to clinch play-off spots. The Baltimore Ravens have a straightforward path to secure theirs with a win, tie, or specific outcomes from the Dolphins and Colts games. The Denver Broncos can clinch with a win, tie, or if the Dolphins, Bengals and Colts all falter. The Los Angeles Chargers need either a win with help from the Dolphins and Colts or a very specific tie scenario.

The Green Bay Packers can clinch with a win or tie, or with losses or ties from the Falcons and either the Rams or Seahawks. Finally, the Washington Commanders can make the play-offs with a win under certain conditions involving the Falcons, Rams, and Seahawks, or a complex tie scenario.

Every game this weekend could be pivotal for these teams' play-off hopes as we enter the final stretch.

AFC North on the line

A big match-up awaits this weekend for control of the AFC North on Saturday night (9.30pm). The Steelers have a strong record against Baltimore recently, winning seven of the last eight games, with each of the last nine games decided by seven points or less.

Despite this, the Ravens have an explosive offence led by Lamar Jackson, though they've struggled against Pittsburgh. There have been doubts at times this season over the Ravens' physicality and ability to protect the ball, especially against a Steelers' defence that has forced 15 fumbles this season compared to the Ravens' four.

The Steelers