NFL’s Top Week 16 Games

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Three weeks. That’s all the time playoff contenders have to cement their spot in the postseason. There is absolutely no room for error. One bad read, one missed assignment, one unlucky bounce could end a team’s season. For those on the fringe of playoff security, these games are beyond crucial. Week 16 features showdowns between some of the most electrifying teams in football. Here are the NFL’s top week 16 games:

5. Texans @ Chiefs

The Texans and Chiefs have already punched their tickets to the postseason, but both teams have shown significant weaknesses, particularly in pass protection. Kansas City has allowed 2.5 sacks per game this season, while Houston has allowed 3.3. Both rank in the bottom half of the league. The Chiefs have struggled to put games away this season, especially against playoff-caliber opponents. I’m picking Houston to pull off the upset on the road.

HOU 24-21 KC

4. Eagles @ Commanders

The NFC East is already wrapped up. Philadelphia has arguably been the best team in the NFL over the last ten weeks, and they’ve clinched their spot in the playoffs. If the Eagles win out, they’ll have a good shot at overtaking the Lions for the top seed in the conference and that precious first-round bye. The Commanders, on the other hand, are fighting for their playoff lives. They’re currently just one game away from dropping out of the final wild card spot. In the last matchup between these two sides, Saquon Barkley’s dominant performance led to an Eagles win. I expect more of the same on Sunday.

PHI 31-21 WAS

3. Vikings @ Seahawks

The Minnesota Vikings have a realistic shot at the number one seed in the NFC. No one outside of the state of Minnesota could have predicted this. The Vikings may be allowing their gaze to drift to a Week 18 matchup with the conference-leading Lions, but this weekend’s battle with the Seahawks should not be overlooked. Seattle is currently tied with the Rams for the NFC West lead and just one game behind the Commanders for the final wild card spot. While Seattle’s defense has improved in recent weeks, they’ve allowed at least 30 points to every team they’ve faced that has at least ten wins this season. If the Seahawks’ defense can’t hold up against Sam Darnold and the Vikings, they’ll be in danger of falling out of the playoff race.

MIN 31-27 SEA

2. Broncos @ Chargers

Neither the Broncos nor the Chargers were expected to compete for playoff spots in 2024. With three weeks left in the season, both teams are nearly locked into wild card positions. However, the two sides are trending in opposite directions. Denver has won four in a row to take the AFC’s sixth seed, while Los Angeles is enduring a two-game skid. For the most part, the Chargers have failed to perform in big games this season. I expect Los Angeles to reverse the trend on Thursday night.

LAC 21-20 DEN

1. Steelers @ Ravens

Late in the season, one of the biggest rivalries in sports is set to determine the champion of one of football’s most competitive divisions. We couldn’t hope for much better. The Steelers beat the Ravens back in week 11 in a low-scoring matchup. The health of George Pickens will be a major factor in this game. With their star receiver, Pittsburgh holds a constant threat for an explosive pass down the field. Without him, the offense is stagnant. At this point in the season, I have more faith in Baltimore’s talent than I do in Pittsburgh’s.

BAL 24-21 PIT