Chiefs @ Falcons, Giants @ Steelers, Panthers @ Seahawks Live

Monday 5 December 2016 17:42, UK

As competition for play-off spots intensifies, Sky Sports has a triple header full of play-off implications.

After their victory on Thursday night, the Dallas Cowboys could clinch a place in the post-season if results go their way this weekend. In our early game, the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Atlanta to take on the high-scoring Falcons.

Following that, the New York Giants look to extend a six game winning streak against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are battling for top spot in the AFC North.

The final game of Sunday night sees the struggling 4-7 Carolina Panthers take on the 7-3-1 Seattle Seahawks. Though not mathematically out of the play-off picture, Cam Newton and the Panthers face an uphill battle to make it to January, while the Seahawks aim to keep pace with the Cowboys for NFC home advantage.

After an overtime victory over AFC West rival Denver Broncos on Monday night, the Kansas City Chiefs face a tough trip to the Georgia Dome where they take on one of the league's most potent offences.

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons continue to dominate, particularly at home where they are averaging over 33 points a game. Julio Jones leads the league in yards, and the offence will have running back Tevin Coleman fully healthy after he returned from four weeks out with a hamstring injury.

Atlanta lost top cornerback Desmond Trufant for the season last week, and will also be without Adrian Clayborn after the defensive end had surgery on his left knee. Pressure is still on the 7-4 Falcons, who must protect their NFC South lead against the resurgent Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kansas City (8-3) currently hold the AFC's fifth-seed play-off position, but their own division remains tight. The Oakland Raiders lead with nine wins, while the Denver Broncos sit just one game behind the Chiefs at 7-4. All three believe they can still win the West but a victory for Andy Reid's team would be further evidence that Kansas City are primed for a play-off push.

Justin Houston was a huge factor in the win against Denver, and Chiefs fans will be pleased to know the linebacker has come through full practices with no ill effects. The team received further boosts this week as fellow linebacker Dee Ford, as well as wide receiver Jeremy Maclin returned to practice.

The Chiefs lead the league in profiting from turnovers with 24, but if the Falcons can protect the ball effectively, they can take advantage of Kansas City's demanding schedule.

If the Giants are to make this year's play-offs, they will have to overcome a tough December schedule to make it. After week 13's trip to Pittsburgh, the Giants then head on the road for games against the Cowboys and the Detroit Lions, before two divisional games with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins.

They have won their last six, though only one of those teams (Baltimore Ravens) boasts a winning record. The all star defence, assembled through last summer's free agency, has shown its worth in recent weeks with 21 sacks during their unbeaten streak.

New York are fourth in defending the rush but will come up against their toughest test yet in Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell. The third-year back has almost 1,600 total yards despite missing the first three games through suspension, offering a pass-catching threat as well as his ability to break tackles.

Meanwhile, the Steelers have won their last two games in convincing manner, albeit against the winless Cleveland Browns, and an Indianapolis Colts team missing quarterback Andrew Luck.

Pittsburgh will want to utilise superstar wide receiver Antonio Brown, who scored three touchdowns from just five receptions against the Colts. He will have to lose Giants' cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who had a rare off game in New York's victory over the Browns last weekend.

The Steelers have lost their last two at home, but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger can take his team top of the AFC North if results break right.

Last season's NFC champions, the Panthers, have had a season to forget as Cam Newton and his teammates have struggled to a 4-7 record that sees them bottom on the NFC South.

And they could hardly be faced with a tougher test as they take on the Seattle Seahawks who lead the way in the NFC West and are widely expected to challenge the Dallas Cowboys for the Conference number one seed and title.

Carolina were beaten in last year's Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos and are coming off the back of a defeat in Oakland last week and have won just one game on the road all season.

Heading into Seattle's formidable CenturyLink Field is the ultimate test for a team on their travels - the Seahawks have won all five home games this season.

However, the Panthers won in Seattle during the regular season last year on their way to a run of 15 straight wins from the start of the season and the Conference title, so they have a better experience than most of their last visit to the Pacific North West.

You can follow all the action on Sunday from 5.30pm on Sky Sports 2 with three live games, while Sky Sports Mix will cover every touchdown with Redzone live from 6pm. If you are out and about you can follow our live blog.

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