NFL · 1 year ago

5 NFL Games to Watch With Playoff Implications in Week 16

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

Honorable Mention: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Jacksonville Jaguars were a heavy favorite to capture the AFC South entering 2023. Instead, they sit in a three-horse race entering Week 16, with the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, and Jaguars all residing at 8-6. The Jaguars certainly haven't made their lives easy for themselves heading into this crucial showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs occupy the top spot in the NFC South and sit as the fourth seed in the NFC.
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams
Kicking off Week 16 on Thursday Night Football will be the New Orleans Saints visiting the Los Angeles Rams. Both teams hold a 7-7 record. The Saints are still in the running for a wild-card spot and NFC South division crown, while the Rams avenue is centered around the wild-card. The Rams enter Week 16 as the seventh seed in the NFC, while the Saints sit in ninth.
Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Detroit Lions continue to have their eyes set on the NFC North title, while the Minnesota Vikings are hoping to spoil the party and qualify for the postseason as a wild-card team. The Lions aren't out of the running for a top-two seed in the NFC, and a win in this matchup will pay dividends and have them at 11-4. The Vikings enter this contest with a 7-7 record and are the sixth seed in the NFC.
Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans
Not many expected the youthful Houston Texans to be in the running for a division title or wild-card position in 2023. They've been a team on the rise under DeMeco Ryans and have posted an 8-6 record through Week 15. Although they still sit on the outside of the playoff picture, a win in Week 16 against Cleveland will go a long way. The Browns enter this matchup as the AFC's top wild-card team at 9-5.
Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers
Many are coining this matchup as the Game of the Year. The top two teams in their respective conferences are colliding in Week 16, with the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Baltimore Ravens. It's not out of the question that this is a potential Super Bowl preview in February. The winner of this contest will have a much clearer path to being the top seed in their conference.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Miami Dolphins
If it weren't for the Ravens taking on the 49ers, the Miami Dolphins hosting the Dallas Cowboys would be getting all the buzz heading into Week 16. The Dolphins still have a lot to play for, with the division title and top seed in the AFC on the line. On the other side of the bracket, the Cowboys sit as the second seed in the NFC. Will Dallas respond after a tough showing in Buffalo, or will the Dolphins post their first signature win of the year?
Honorable Mention: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Jacksonville Jaguars were a heavy favorite to capture the AFC South entering 2023. Instead, they sit in a three-horse race entering Week 16, with the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, and Jaguars all residing at 8-6. The Jaguars certainly haven't made their lives easy for themselves heading into this crucial showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs occupy the top spot in the NFC South and sit as the fourth seed in the NFC.
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams
Kicking off Week 16 on Thursday Night Football will be the New Orleans Saints visiting the Los Angeles Rams. Both teams hold a 7-7 record. The Saints are still in the running for a wild-card spot and NFC South division crown, while the Rams avenue is centered around the wild-card. The Rams enter Week 16 as the seventh seed in the NFC, while the Saints sit in ninth.

5 NFL Games to Watch With Playoff Implications in Week 16

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