The NFL announced Wednesday that it is flexing two games to Saturday, Dec. 27 during its Week 17 slate.
The Houston Texans will now face the Los Angeles Chargers at 4:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network, while the Baltimore Ravens will take on the Green Bay Packers at 8 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Both Saturday games should have major playoff implications.
The Texans (8-5) are battling for both an AFC South title and a Wild Card berth. The team is one game back of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the division and currently holds the final Wild Card berth, though the Indianapolis Colts (8-5) are still in the running.
Meanwhile, the Chargers (9-4) are two games back of the Denver Broncos and did win the first matchup between the pair, so an AFC West title isn’t out of the question just yet. The Chargers would be the No. 5 seed if the playoffs started today.
Then there’s the Ravens, who find themselves fighting for their playoff lives after Sunday’s 27-22 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Baltimore (6-7) is a game back of the Steelers, albeit with a Week 18 meeting still looming against their most hated rivals.
But getting to that game without another blemish on their record will be vital.
Beating the Packers (9-3-1) will be no small task. The Packers currently hold a half-game lead over the Chicago Bears in the NFC North and are also just a half-game back of the Los Angeles Rams for the top spot in the NFC. Whether they are able to bridge that gap—or hold off the Bears—will be determined in large part whether they are able to navigate a late-season gauntlet that includes matchups against the Broncos, Bears, Ravens and Minnesota Vikings.