Pittsburgh have snatched the NFL's final playoff spot from the clutches of rivals Baltimore, while Denver clinched the AFC No.1 seed for the first time in a decade.
Monday's (AEDT) win-and-in clash between the Steelers (10-7) and Ravens (8-9) lived up to its hype as a victory for either side would secure the AFC North title and subsequently a post-season berth.
With 55 seconds remaining, Baltimore led 24-20 before veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers (294 yards) launched the ball to Calvin Austin, who charged over for the division-defining touchdown.
As time expired, Baltimore's Tyler Loop had an opportunity to clinch the game with a 44-yard field goal, but the ball sailed to the right of the goalposts and the Steelers claimed the 26-24 victory.
The Broncos (14-3) secured a 19-3 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers (11-6), tying up the AFC's No.1 seed and clinching a first-round bye and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl.
Their renowned defence sacked Chargers' backup quarterback Trey Lance four times while cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian scored the sole touchdown from an interception in the first quarter.
The Broncos last claimed the No.1 seed in the 2015-2016 season, and went on to win Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, also the site of this year's game.
Elsewhere, Jacksonville (13-4) thumped Tennessee (3-14) by 41-7 to win the AFC South and return to the playoffs after picking up just four wins last season.
The No.3 Jaguars will host No.6 Buffalo (12-5), who overcame the New York Jets (3-14) by 35-8 without star quarterback Josh Allen, as he was rested after just one snap.
In the NFC, Carolina (8-9) secured their playoff spot for the first time since 2018 when Atlanta beat New Orleans 19-17.
Having lost to Tampa Bay (8-9) earlier, the Panthers needed the Falcons (8-9) to win. Carolina boast the best record within the NFC South division between the three teams.
Philadelphia (11-6) coach Nick Sirianni's plan to rest key starters including Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley backfired as the side went down to Washington (5-12) by 24-17.
The reigning Super Bowl champions could have jumped into the No.2 seed and played Green Bay (9-7-1) as the No.2 Chicago (11-6) went down to Detroit (9-8) by 19-16.
But the loss means the side will keep the No.3 spot and instead host the razzle-dazzle San Francisco (12-5).
NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE:
AFC:
Denver Broncos (No.1) - first-round bye
New England Patriots (No.2) v Los Angeles Chargers (No.7)
Jacksonville Jaguars (No.3) v Buffalo Bills (No.6)
Pittsburgh Steelers (No.4) v Houston Texans (No.5)
NFC:
Seattle Seahawks (No.1) - first-round bye
Chicago Bears (No.2) v Green Bay Packers (No.7)
Philadelphia Eagles (No.3) v San Francisco 49ers (No.6)
Carolina Panthers (No.4) v Los Angeles Rams (No.5)
With AP
