The docket kicks off Thursday, the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers clashing in a longstanding rivalry with major NFC West implications and, perhaps to a lesser extent, the conference picture at large.

Moving into the weekend, four more clubs can gain entry into the postseason field with the Houston Texans potentially locking down the AFC South. The Philadelphia Eagles, who already secured their playoff berth, can wrap up the NFC East. The Eagles will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in a compelling interconference, intra-state battle featuring contenders eyeing home-field advantage.

But the game of the weekend is pretty clearly the Buffalo Bills’ visit to the Detroit Lions in another heavyweight bout with significant ramifications for No. 1 seeding in each conference. The Bills can’t afford to lose any more ground to the (currently) top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs, while the Lions are clinging to a one-game lead over both Philadelphia and the Minnesota Vikings.