The NFL postseason gets underway this Saturday with Wild Card weekend, featuring six matches across three days as 14 teams begin their pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy.
For the first time in over a decade, Kansas City Chiefs will not be among the contenders.
The Chiefs' absence from the playoffs marks their first failure to reach the postseason since 2014, ending a remarkable run of dominance.
Philadelphia's comprehensive 40-22 demolition of Kansas City at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans last February denied Andy Reid's side a historic third consecutive championship.
That defeat appears to have signalled the end of an era for Patrick Mahomes and Co.
The door now stands open for a fresh champion to emerge in 2026.
Both conferences feature a mix of established powerhouses and resurgent franchises, with several teams harbouring genuine aspirations of lifting the trophy in California next month.
Sean Payton's Denver Broncos claimed the AFC's top seed after finishing 14-3 and wresting control of the AFC West from Kansas City's grasp.
The franchise will enjoy a week's rest before entering the fray in the Divisional Round.
Bo Nix has developed into precisely the efficient, mistake-averse quarterback his head coach envisaged, while Vance Joseph's defence topped the league with 68 sacks.
The NFL postseason gets underway this Saturday with Wild Card weekend
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Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II has been so dominant that opponents have avoided targeting him entirely.
In the NFC, Mike Macdonald's Seattle Seahawks secured the conference's premier position with a 14-3 record, clinching the NFC West crown with a 13-3 victory over San Francisco in Week 18.
Sam Darnold has continued his remarkable career renaissance following his move from Minnesota, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba led all receivers with 1,793 yards.
British defensive coordinator Aden Durde has helped orchestrate the league's third-best scoring defence.
The defending champions face a stern examination of their credentials when San Francisco visits Philadelphia on Sunday evening, with kick-off at 9.30pm.
Nick Sirianni's Eagles have endured a turbulent title defence, plagued by criticism of a stagnant attack and visible frustration from receiver AJ Brown.
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Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo has faced persistent scrutiny throughout the campaign.
Yet Philadelphia remains arguably the most complete roster in the competition.
Vic Fangio's defence possesses the personnel to suffocate any opponent, and Jalen Hurts has consistently elevated his performances when the stakes are highest.
Saquon Barkley awaits a breakthrough display having been largely contained this season, while the offensive line continues to function effectively despite Lane Johnson's absence.
Kyle Shanahan's 49ers arrive having navigated significant injuries to Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Fred Warner and Nick Bosa.
Christian McCaffrey has accumulated 2,126 scrimmage yards since returning from injury.
Saturday's action commences at 9.30pm when the Los Angeles Rams travel to Carolina, before the Green Bay Packers face the Chicago Bears at 1am on Sunday morning.
Sunday's schedule begins at 6pm with Buffalo visiting Jacksonville, followed by the Eagles-49ers clash at 9.30pm.
The New England Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers at 1.15am on Monday morning.
The final Wild Card contest sees Pittsburgh welcome Houston at 1.15am on Tuesday, with Aaron Rodgers leading the Steelers after their dramatic AFC North-clinching victory over Baltimore.
The Divisional Round follows on January 17-18, with Conference Championship games scheduled for January 25 at 8pm and 11.30pm GMT.
Super Bowl LX takes place on Sunday February 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, home of the San Francisco 49ers.
For the first time in over a decade, Kansas City will not be among the contenders
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The venue last hosted the championship game in 2016, when Denver defeated Carolina 24-10 at Super Bowl 50.
It will be the third occasion the San Francisco Bay Area has staged the showpiece event.
Kick-off is scheduled for 11.30pm, with the half-time entertainment typically beginning around 1am.
Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Bad Bunny will headline the half-time performance, the NFL has confirmed.
Last year's show in New Orleans drew a record-breaking audience of 133.5 million viewers as Kendrick Lamar took to the stage, surpassing Michael Jackson's 1993 record of 133.4 million.
The Eagles claimed their second Super Bowl title in New Orleans, with Hurts earning MVP honours after throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns.