Baltimore haven’t been to the Super Bowl since 2012, and San Francisco have had some close calls recently while chasing their first title since 1994.

But the two are in the favourite’s roles with first-round byes as the NFL’s 14-team playoff field came closer into focus on Sunday.

The Ravens are the No.1 seeds in the AFC and the 49ers are top seeds in the NFC as the competition for the Lombardi Trophy heats up.

Dallas earned the NFC’s No.2 seed and will host seventh-seeded Green Bay next weekend.

The Cowboys perennially receive great attention but they haven’t played in the Super Bowl since 1995, when quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith and receiver Michael Irvin were their superstars.

Elsewhere in the NFC, Detroit are the No.3 seeds and will host the red-hot No.6-seeded Los Angeles Rams in what will be the first playoff game in their city in 30 years.

The No.4 Tampa Bay will host the No.5 Philadelphia, the defending NFC champions who are spiralling with five defeats in six games.

Buffalo won the AFC East for the fourth straight season by beating Miami on Sunday. The AFC’s second seeded Bills will now host No.7 seed Pittsburgh next Sunday, while No.6 seed Miami visit defending Super Bowl champions and third seeds Kansas City on Saturday night.

No.4 Houston will host the No.5 Cleveland. Rookie quarterback CJ Stroud leads the Texans into battle against veteran Joe Flacco of the Browns.

Baltimore can rest this week and ponder why it has just two playoff victories since winning the Super Bowl.

The 49ers have won six playoff games while qualifying in three of the past four seasons, but have failed to win it all despite three NFC title game appearances, one prior to a Super Bowl loss.