Last weekend, the NFL showcased an exhilarating Saturday lineup that culminated in a stunning walk-off finish, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what Week 17 has in store. The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 allows professional football to be aired on Saturdays only after the second weekend of December, and this year, it kicked off with excitement as the Philadelphia Eagles electrified the field in Landover, Maryland.
Kicking off this Saturday’s action is an intriguing playoff rematch featuring the Houston Texans and the Los Angeles Chargers. The Texans are riding high with a seven-game winning streak, while the Chargers are equally formidable with a four-game win streak themselves, marking this matchup as a critical battle in the playoff race.
The action begins at 4:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on NFL Network, with local options available on CBS in Houston and Los Angeles. The nightcap sees the Baltimore Ravens heading to Green Bay to face the Packers, both teams in desperate need of a win to secure their postseason aspirations.
In the first game, the Texans (10-5) are led by a dominant defense that ranks first in both points and yards allowed, thanks to standout performances from Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. on the pass rush. Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been in superb form lately, throwing five touchdowns without any interceptions in his last three games. On the flip side, Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert seeks to avenge a challenging playoff performance last season against the Texans, coming off a stellar game with 300 yards passing against the Dallas Cowboys.
As for the Ravens (7-8), they are grappling with injury concerns surrounding star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is dealing with a back contusion. This may lead to increased responsibilities for backup Tyler Huntley. The rushing game will see significant contributions from Derrick Henry, who continues to shine in scoring. Meanwhile, the Packers (9-5-1) are contending with quarterback Jordan Love’s absence due to a concussion, giving Malik Willis an opportunity to prove himself in a crucial matchup against the Ravens.
The stakes are high this weekend as both games have significant playoff implications. The Chargers have already clinched a playoff spot and aim for an AFC West title, while the Texans need a victory paired with a Colts loss to advance. In the Baltimore-Green Bay clash, the Ravens must win and hope for favorable outcomes elsewhere to keep their playoff dreams alive.
With both matchups promising intense competition and high drama, fans can expect a thrilling Saturday as NFL teams push toward the postseason.