At last, we see the end. The National Football League season comes to its regular season conclusion this weekend. Are there still games that mean something? You bet. For those still in fantasy football championships, are there games that might affect the outcomes? You had better believe it. To sort it all out, this Final Regular Season Schedule edition has the answers that you are looking for.
First, all of the games are listed here, along with their eastern start times and where to find them.. Second, there are a few fantasy notes attached to some of the games that I feel managers will find interesting. Lastly, let me say to everyone still trying to win a fantasy championship: good luck! With all that in mind, let’s get down to it!
Saturday, January 4th
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens, 4:30 PM, ESPN/ABC
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:00 PM, ESPN/ABC
Fantasy Notes: For those still trying to bring home a fantasy championship, the final week is all about finding players who are actually playing. Teams that are locked into playoff spots or eliminated altogether tend to sit players the last game of the regular season.
However, there is no such worries for two, maybe three of the teams taking the field this Saturday. Baltimore is still trying to clinch their division and since they lead off the schedule, can’t afford to rest anyone. Win and they are the division champions. Conclusion: if a manager has a Ravens player on the roster, start him with confidence.
Hard as it maybe to believe, Cincinnati still has something to play for. It’s a long shot to reach the postseason, but it’s there. That’s great news for anyone having Joe Burrow as their quarterback. Further, anyone looking for a tight end may want to look at Mike Gesicki.
When Pittsburgh takes the field, they will know their fate. If the Ravens win, they win the AFC North. If they somehow lose, the division is in the hands of the Steelers. In any case, expect Pittsburgh to have their starters in as they try to recapture some momentum.
Recommendation: start your Steelers players in fantasy for this game.
Sunday, January 5th Early Afternoon Games
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles, 1 PM, CBS
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots, 1 PM, CBS
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans, 1 PM, CBS
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts, 1 PM FOX
Fantasy Note: No one has anything to play for in these games. Consider all options before starting any of the above players. Case in point: Philadelphia has already announced that Saquon Barkley will not play Sunday, despite being in position to break the all time rushing yards in a season record.
Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys, 1 PM, FOX
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers, 1 PM, FOX
Fantasy Note: Playoff seeding is still on the line for the Commanders and Packers. Since both play at the same time, neither has the advantage. It will be interesting to see which, if either, of the teams values a better seed or is more concerned with avoiding injury.
At the very least, there is a chance that starters on both teams take the field. Mangers will want to check on who’s in and who’s out before game time.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons, 1 PM, CBS
Fantasy Note: If previous articles, I recommended sitting Michael Penix. There are no such reservations on this Final Regular Season Schedule edition this time, however. If on the roster, get Penix into your lineup. Atlanta has everything to play for in this game.
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 PM, FOX
Fantasy Note: Same as above, Tampa has everything to gain and much to lose here. Their starters will play significant minutes in this game. Fantasy managers should take note.
Sunday, January Late Afternoon Games
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 PM, FOX
Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 PM, FOX
Fantasy Note: Surprisingly, there is nothing to play for in either of these games. The Rams have the division wrapped up. Playoff seeding might come into play, but LA has already announced QB Matthew Stafford will not start.
Certainly, it would be wise to see which, if any, of these team’s starters are in lineups before the games begin. React accordingly.
Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos, 4:25 PM, CBS
Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 PM, CBS
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets, 4:25 PM, FOX
Fantasy Note: Kansas City has nothing to play for, having wrapped up the number one seed in the AFC. Appropriately, QB Patrick Mahomes will not take the field. On the other hand, Denver may need to win this game to even get into the playoffs.
At the same time, Miami must win or they are eliminated. As such, this Final Regular Season Schedule edition expects both team’s starters to play heavy minutes.
Sunday Night Football
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions, 8:20 PM, NBC
Fantasy Note: without question, this is the granddaddy of all games this weekend. Whichever team wins will take the number one seed in the NFC and the first round bye that goes with it. The loser will fall to the wild card round and have to play on the road the opening weekend of the playoffs.
Clearly, fantasy managers will want to target players in this game. More than likely, championships will be decided by the results of this game.
The Last Word
Thank you for joining me for this Final Regular Season Schedule edition! Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @kevin62wilsea. Please feel free to share this article. Be sure to turn to bellyupsports.com for all the MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL happenings and the latest sports news!
