Play-offs begin, London teams named - 5 NFL storylines
We are under a month away from the Super Bowl in New Orleans. The NFL play-offs have arrived.
Over the next three weeks, 12 games will take place to determine which two teams will face each other for the Lombardi trophy on 9 February.
The Wild Card round of the NFL play-offs gets underway on Saturday evening with the visit of the Los Angeles Chargers to the Houston Texans (9.30pm Irish time)
Here's five things to look out for this weekend.
Can Pittsburgh steel a march on the Ravens?
After ten wins and strong outings in October and November, the Pittsburgh Steelers have lost their last four games. This weekend, they go into Baltimore to face a Ravens team who have won four games in a row - and the AFC North championship for a second year in succession.
Pittsburgh need to improve on their offensive play. A potent Steelers defence limited the CIncinnati Bengals to only 19 points last weekend. While Russell Wilson has a record of three wins and one loss in Wild Card weekend matches, he will need to ensure that there is an added focus on the attacking front. The Steelers averaged 2.7 yards per play on offence and will need to not only run the ball, but feed their offensive players.
For the Ravens, Quarterback Lamar Jackson is on the cusp of an MVP (Most Valuable Player) season - he leads the league in passer rating, yards per attempt and he is second in yards per completion. Couple that with a phenom in Derrick Henry at running back and the Ravens pose a serious threat every time they get on the field.
This is an intriguing game. The Steelers defence and special teams will be crucial if they are to go on the road and get the win.
London (and Dublin?) bound
The NFL announced the designated home teams for the 2025 slate of games in