The defending NFL champion Baltimore Ravens will be at home for the playoffs.
So will the Miami Dolphins, putting the Pittsburgh Steelers in position to sneak off with the final AFC wild-card berth Sunday. But only if San Diego loses a late game to Kansas City, which already has earned a wild card and was resting many starters.
AFC North winner Cincinnati beat Baltimore 34-17, ensuring the Ravens (8-8) were eliminated once Pittsburgh (8-8) defeated Cleveland 20-7. Miami (8-8) lost to the New York Jets 20-7, putting the Steelers — who began the season 0-4 — in position to advance if San Diego (8-7) slips up at home.
Carolina (12-4) won the NFC South and a first-round playoff bye with a 21-20 victory at Atlanta.
Quarterback Alex Smith and running back Jamaal Charles are inactive for Kansas City against the San Diego Chargers, and the Chiefs are resting their entire starting defense.
The Chiefs have clinched the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs.
Also inactive for the Chiefs are wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (concussion) and Tamba Hali (knee), who had been ruled out on Friday, as well as linebacker Derrick Johnson, tackle Branden Albert and defensive tackle DT Dontari Poe.
Chase Daniel will start for Smith, Knile Davis for Charles and Junior Hemingway for Bowe.