The Denver Broncos aim to secure the AFC's No. 1 seed and a playoff bye with a win against the Chargers in their season finale, emphasizing the importance of winning the turnover battle, containing Trey Lance, and leveraging their home crowd at Empower Field to gain a postseason edge.
The San Francisco 49ers, having clinched a playoff spot, are still vying for the NFC No. 1 seed and home-field advantage, demonstrated by their dominant 48-27 win over the Colts. They aim to secure the top seed with upcoming home games against the Bears and Seahawks, which could lead to hosting a divisional playoff game and potentially the Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium. The team is focused on finishing strong and maintaining momentum for postseason success.
An analysis of college football teams' home-field advantages in the upcoming playoff games reveals Oklahoma and Oregon as having the strongest home records and advantages, based on various metrics like win percentages, spread performance, and team talent, with Oregon notably excelling at home in close games and against talented opponents.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills are competing for the AFC's No. 1 seed, with the Chiefs currently holding the best record. However, the Bills, who defeated the Chiefs earlier, have an 18% chance of winning out compared to the Chiefs' 7.5%. The Chiefs' most likely path to securing the top seed involves a loss to either the Steelers or Broncos in the final weeks, coupled with a Bills loss to the Lions. If both teams finish with the same record, Buffalo would clinch the top seed due to their head-to-head win.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones defends the design of AT&T Stadium, which allows sunlight to enter, as a home-field advantage. Despite criticism after a missed catch by CeeDee Lamb due to sunlight, Jones argues that the Cowboys, with more experience in their stadium, should be better prepared than opponents. He attributes the Eagles' preparedness to their offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's familiarity with the stadium. Jones emphasizes the stadium's design to feel like an outdoor space while being indoors and sees no need to change it.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones defended the sunlight glare at AT&T Stadium, claiming it provides a 'home field advantage' despite criticism following a missed touchdown by CeeDee Lamb due to the sun. Jones emphasized the stadium's design to mimic an outdoor feel and dismissed the idea of installing curtains for Cowboys games, although they are used for other events.
Christian Pulisic believes the U.S. men's national team is ready to prove itself at the 2024 Copa América, which the U.S. is hosting. Pulisic, now a key player and leader for the team, emphasizes the importance of translating good performances into results in major matches. He enters the tournament with high confidence after a successful season with AC Milan.
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to receive a strong send-off from their faithful fans as they depart for Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. The team's fan base has been growing, and their home-field advantage at Levi’s Stadium has been a significant factor in their recent success, with a perfect 6-0 postseason record at home. The 49ers' departure from their complex near Levi’s Stadium is anticipated to draw a large contingent of supporters, reflecting the team's strong connection with its fan base.
The upcoming Buccaneers-Lions game in Detroit is commanding an average ticket price of $1,186 on the secondary market, making it the most expensive divisional round playoff ticket ever. This surpasses last year's record of $605 for a divisional round game. The cheapest seat available for the game is currently priced at over $700. Detroit fans, who haven't seen a divisional round playoff game in 32 years, are eager to support their team and create a home-field advantage similar to the one that affected the Rams in the wild card round.
Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker was involved in another blown call during the wild-card win against the Los Angeles Rams, but this time it didn't affect the outcome as the Lions secured a 24-23 victory. Despite the officiating controversy, Decker and the Lions are now set to host a home playoff game for the first time in 30 years. Decker, the longest-tenured player in Detroit, expressed gratitude towards the fans and emphasized the significance of the home-field advantage.
Dak Prescott acknowledges the advantage of playing two playoff games at home but emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on home-field advantage and instead focusing on preparation and playing to their standard as the Cowboys gear up to face the Packers in the playoffs.
Despite clinching a playoff spot, the Dallas Cowboys suffered a 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills, dropping their record to 10-4. The loss puts them on a path that may require winning three playoff games on the road to reach the Super Bowl. The Cowboys' performance on the road has been significantly weaker compared to their home games, with a stark difference in points scored and yards gained. To secure a division title and home-field advantage, the Cowboys will need the Philadelphia Eagles to lose two of their final four games and the San Francisco 49ers to lose two of their final three games. The Cowboys' road struggles highlight the need for improvement in order to make a deep postseason run.
Lamar Jackson silenced doubters by leading the Ravens to a comeback victory over the Rams with a clutch touchdown pass in the pouring rain. Jackson's ability to lead the team back from behind and with his arm has been questioned, but he proved his critics wrong. With a healthy Jackson, the Ravens have a strong chance of securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC and are seen as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Home-field advantage at M&T Bank Stadium, known for its passionate fans and challenging weather conditions, is a real advantage for the Ravens. Unheralded players like Tylan Wallace and role players have also played key roles in the team's success this season.
Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman expressed pride in his team's performance and the special group of seniors who led them to a 45-7 victory over Wake Forest. He highlighted the significance of playing in Notre Dame Stadium and the support of the fans. Freeman praised quarterback Sam Hartman's consistency and ability to overcome distractions, and commended the offense for their strong performance. He also discussed the importance of preparation and hard work for individual players, and the defense's impressive performance throughout the season. Freeman mentioned the decision to attempt an onside kick and the development of the wide receivers.
The Dallas Cowboys have won 12 consecutive home games at AT&T Stadium, establishing a strong home-field advantage. Owner Jerry Jones expressed his excitement about the team's success at home and the energy they receive from fans. However, Jones also emphasized the importance of winning the division to secure a home playoff game, as the Cowboys have not hosted a playoff game since 2021. Despite their impressive home record, the Cowboys will need to surpass the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East standings to achieve this goal.