NFL Saturday games open thread: AFC playoff picture, game TV info

With college football bowl games rendered mostly useless these days, Saturdays now belong to the NFL.

This week, the NFL opted to spread out games all over the holiday weekend, including a pair on Saturday. For Detroit Lions fans, there isn’t much intrigue to the duo of games, seeing as both are AFC matchups.

First, an AFC North clash between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite losing Joe Burrow, the Bengals have clawed their way back into a playoff spot, but in a tight conference, they will not be able to afford a step back. The Steelers have played some ugly football this year as they try to figure out an offensive identity, but despite that, they remain 7-7 and in the hunt.

The night closes out with another big game in the AFC playoff picture: Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Chargers. The Bills seemed dead at 5-5 on the year, but they’ve played good football as of late and have worked themselves back into a favorable position at 8-6. They’re still out the outside looking in, but with a strong finish, they could find themselves in the dance. Here’s a look at the AFC playoff standings:

1. Ravens: 11-3
2. Dolphins: 10-4
3. Chiefs: 9-5
4. Jaguars: 8-6
5. Browns: 9-5
6. Bengals: 8-6
7. Colts: 8-6
8. Texans: 8-6
9. Bills: 8-6
10. Steelers: 7-7
11. Broncos: 7-7
12. Raiders: 6-8
13. Chargers: 5-9

And here’s info for the games tonight:

Bengals at Steelers

When: Saturday, December 23 — 4:30 p.m. ET
Where: Acrisure Stadium — Pittsburgh, PA
TV: NBC
Online streaming: NFL+, Peacock
Announcers: Todd Blackledge, Noah Eagle, Kathryn Tapper
Line: Bengals by 3

Bills at Chargers

When: Saturday, December 23 — 8 p.m. ET
Where: Acrisure Stadium — Pittsburgh, PA
TV: EXCLUSIVELY ON PEACOCK (NBC for local team markets)
Online streaming: NFL+, Peacock
Announcers: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark
Line: Bills by 12.5

And here’s a look at who our staff is picking in these games: