Division races heat up ahead of Week 16 action

The GIST: Just like their college counterparts, the stakes are sky-high on the pro gridiron. With only three weeks left in the regular season, the NFL’s playoff picture is beginning to take shape — and three divisions are looking extra spicy in Week 16. Pour a glass of egg nog and let’s discuss.

🔥 NFC West: Last night’s divisional showdown between the Seattle Seahawks (12-3) and LA Rams (11-4) marked the first time in league history that two teams with at least 11 wins battled on Thursday Night Football — and it lived up to the hype as the Seahawks erased a 16-point, fourth-quarter deficit to top the playoff-bound Rams 38–37 in overtime.

• It’s a huge win for the new NFC No. 1 seed: The Seahawks took sole possession of the top spot in the division with just two games to go, officially punched their postseason ticket, and own the edge should the NFC West title come down to a tie break. A triple whammy.

🌶️ NFC North: Speaking of late-night divisional showdowns with playoff implications, the Chicago Bears (10-4) meet the Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) tomorrow at 8:20 p.m. ET. Whoever wins this heavyweight battle will climb into the NFC North’s top spot — no pressure.

🥵 AFC East: Both the New England Patriots (11-3) and Buffalo Bills (10-4) are vying for the division crown, but there are enough playoff spots to go around…for now. The Pats’ path is a little more direct: They can punch their first postseason ticket since 2021 with a win over the Baltimore Ravens at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday Night Football.

• The Bills, meanwhile, need a win (or tie) against the Cleveland Browns Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, plus a little help from their friends. So ready for some football.