The Buffalo Bills have already clinched a playoff spot. Now it’s about climbing in the conference standings and trying to win the AFC East.
Buffalo enters Week 17 with its postseason ticket punched, but seeding, matchups and a path to the division title remain in play.
The Bills can take the AFC East lead this week with a win over the Philadelphia Eagles and a New England Patriots loss to the New York Jets.
Here’s who Bills fans should root for in Week 17.
Eagles (10-5) at Bills (11-4), Sunday 4:25 p.m.
Who to root for: Bills
A victory over Philadelphia would improve Buffalo’s positioning and keep them within striking distance of higher seeds in the AFC. Winning also keeps pressure on New England entering the final week.
Broncos (12-3) at Chiefs (6-9), Thursday 8:15 p.m.
Who to root for: Chiefs
Buffalo entered the week with a narrow path to climb higher in the AFC standings, which included a Denver loss.
Update: The Broncos won
Texans (10-5) at Chargers (11-4), Saturday 4:30 p.m.
Who to root for: Texans
The Chargers entered the week above the Bills in the wild-card order, making a Los Angeles loss beneficial even if it helps Houston inch closer to Buffalo. A Chargers loss combined with a Bills win puts Buffalo ahead of Los Angeles in the wild-card standings.
Update: The Texans won
Ravens (7-8) at Packers (9-5-1), Saturday 8 p.m.
Who to root for: Ravens
A Ravens win helps prevent Pittsburgh from clinching the AFC North and resting starters in Week 18.
Update: The Ravens won
Patriots (12-3) at Jets (3-12), Sunday 1 p.m.
Who to root for: Jets
Buffalo’s AFC East path requires help. The Bills need to keep winning and have New England lose to either the Jets or Dolphins. A Patriots loss Sunday would keep the division race alive into the final week and could put Buffalo in first place with a win.
Jaguars (11-4) at Colts (8-7), Sunday 1 p.m.
Who to root for: Colts
Jacksonville leads the AFC South but shares the same record as Buffalo. Jaguars losses over the final two weeks would help the Bills pass them in the standings if Houston secures the division.
Steelers (9-6) at Browns (3-12), Sunday 1 p.m.
Who to root for: Browns
A Steelers win would clinch the AFC North and allow Pittsburgh to rest starters in Week 18. A loss keeps the division unsettled heading into Week 18.
Other games with indirect impact
These games don’t directly affect Buffalo’s playoff status but carry secondary implications for seeding, matchups or conference balance.
Cowboys (6-8-1) at Commanders (4-11), Thursday, 1 p.m.
Who to root for: Cowboys
Update: The Cowboys won
Lions (8-7) at Vikings (7-8), Thursday, 4:30 p.m.
Who to root for: Lions
Update: The Vikings won
Buccaneers (7-8) at Dolphins (6-9), Sunday, 1 p.m.
Who to root for: Dolphins
Cardinals (3-12) at Bengals (5-10), Sunday, 1 p.m.
Who to root for: Bengals
Saints (5-10) at Titans (3-12), Sunday, 1 p.m.
Who to root for: Titans
Seahawks (12-3) at Panthers (8-7), Sunday, 1 p.m.
Who to root for: Panthers
Giants (2-13) at Raiders (2-13), Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
Who to root for: Raiders
Bears (11-4) at 49ers (11-4), Sunday, 8:20 p.m.
Who to root for: Toss-up
Rams (11-4) at Falcons (6-9), Monday, 8:15 p.m.
Who to root for: Rams
