As the NFL season reaches its climax, one question looms large: Can the Pittsburgh Steelers clinch the AFC North title, or will the Baltimore Ravens spoil their party? With Week 17 upon us, the stakes have never been higher. Michael McQuaid of Pro Football Ireland breaks down the most compelling storylines as the league heads into a pivotal weekend, which kicked off with a Christmas Day triple-header that saw the Detroit Lions officially eliminated from playoff contention (https://www.rte.ie/sport/us-sport/2025/1225/1550532-nfl-cowboys-beats-commanders-as-netflix-pull-out-stops/).
The AFC North Drama: A Tale of Two Teams
This weekend could bring much-needed clarity to the AFC North. The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the cusp of securing the division title, but their fate may be decided before they even take the field. On Saturday night, the Baltimore Ravens face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. But here's where it gets controversial: The Packers, fresh off clinching their playoff spot after the Lions' defeat, are dealing with a slew of injuries, including quarterback Jordan Love, who is in concussion protocol. For the Ravens, this is a do-or-die game. A win, coupled with a Steelers loss, would push the divisional battle to Week 18, where the two teams face off directly. A loss, however, would end Baltimore's season and spark serious conversations about the team's future.
Lamar Jackson's Status: The X-Factor
At the heart of the Ravens' uncertainty is quarterback Lamar Jackson. As of this writing, Jackson hasn't practiced since early Christmas week and is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game. And this is the part most people miss: Without Jackson, the Ravens' offense has struggled to find consistency. Can they overcome his absence against a banged-up Packers team? Or will Green Bay's defense step up to seal the deal?
History in the Making: Myles Garrett's Pursuit
While the AFC North battle rages, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is on the verge of making history. He needs just one more sack to reach 23 on the season, surpassing the 22.5 sacks held by both Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. Imagine this: If the Ravens lose on Saturday, the Steelers might rest key players in Week 17, potentially giving Garrett a golden opportunity to achieve this milestone against Pittsburgh's backup quarterback, Mason Rudolph. Will history be made on Christmas weekend? Only time will tell.
The 49ers' Dominance: A Historic Streak
Shifting gears to the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers are rewriting the record books. They're the first team in NFL history to score over 80 points and record no punts across two games. Running back Christian McCaffrey is also chasing history, needing just 151 receiving yards in his final two games to become the first player ever with 1,000 yards in both receiving and rushing. But here's the kicker: If the 49ers defeat the Chicago Bears this weekend and the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18, they'll secure the NFC West title and lock in two home playoff games—with a potential Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium on the horizon. Talk about a storybook ending!
The Tanking Dilemma: Giants vs. Raiders
While playoff races dominate headlines, the battle for the 2026 NFL Draft's top pick is equally intense. The New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, currently holding the first and second picks, respectively, face off this weekend. Here's the twist: Whoever loses this game will likely secure the top pick, with Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza projected to go first. However, the Giants already have a young quarterback, making this matchup more than just a game—it could reshape the draft landscape and player destinations.
The Patriots' Resurgence: A New Era?
Finally, let's talk about the New England Patriots. They've already clinched a playoff spot, but this weekend could mark their return to AFC East dominance—a title they haven't held since the Tom Brady era. If the Patriots defeat the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills lose to the Philadelphia Eagles, the division is theirs. But here's the wildcard: Even a tie could secure the title for New England, as long as Buffalo falters. Meanwhile, the Bills' five-year reign as division champions hangs in the balance. Will the Patriots reclaim their throne, or will the Bills cling to their legacy?
Food for Thought
As we head into this pivotal weekend, one question remains: Are the Steelers truly the AFC North favorites, or can the Ravens defy the odds? And what does the future hold for teams like the Bills and Raiders? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
