Packers, Steelers storm into playoffs

The Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys booked their places in the playoffs after victories while the New England Patriots earned a first round bye for the postseason.

Sunday’s results meant that defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks also secured a place in the playoffs before crushing their NFC West rivals the Arizona Cardinals 35-6 in the evening finale.

The Packers gained their berth with a 20-3 win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but they will have to wait until next week to see if they can clinch the NFC North title.

Green Bay will face divisional rivals the Detroit Lions in the final week of the regular season with both teams on 11-4 records ahead of the showdown.

The Lions, who are also assured a playoff place, beat the Chicago Bears 20-14.

The Steelers, six-time Super Bowl winners, have been absent from the post-season for the past two seasons but Mike Tomlin’s team ensured they will be in the mix this year thanks to a 20-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

The most emphatic statement came from the Dallas Cowboys who crushed the playoff-bound Indianapolis Colts 42-7. With the win, the Cowboys finish top of the NFC East for the first time since 2009.