Best NFL Games This Week | Week 16
With only 3 weeks left until the end of the NFL regular season, we come to the traditional Christmas weekend games, a yearly feast of football that is sure to keep you entertained and thrilled throughout the festive season.
As luck would have it, the schedule has pitted the best teams in the league against each other, and with the playoff seedings still being settled, every matchup is as crucial as the last one. So without further ado, let’s go through the best NFL games for Week 16.
Detroit Lions (10-4) at Minnesota Vikings (7-7)
In a pivotal matchup, the Detroit Lions are set to face the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions, coming off a dominant 42-17 victory over the Denver Broncos, have shown a strong offensive presence this season. Their ground game was particularly impressive, racking up 185 yards against the Broncos, marking their fourth game this season with over 180 rushing yards. Quarterback Jared Goff's performance, with 278 passing yards and 5 touchdowns, highlights Detroit's well-rounded offensive capabilities.
The Vikings, however, are looking to rebound from a narrow 27-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite the setback, quarterback Nick Mullens showed promise, throwing for 303 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Running back Ty Chandler and wide receiver Jordan Addison were key contributors, with Chandler rushing for 132 yards and Addison receiving for 111 yards.
Detroit enters the game as 4-point favorites, with a total set at 46. The Lions have a strong track record against the Vikings, winning 5 straight games against them. However, the Vikings' home advantage and their need to bounce back could make this a closely contested game.
Why you should not miss this game:
This Lions vs. Vikings matchup is a must-watch for any NFL fan. The Lions, with their explosive offense, have been one of the surprise packages of the season, and their high-scoring games are always entertaining.
The Vikings, on the other hand, are desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive, adding an extra layer of intensity to this NFC North rivalry. With both teams known for their offensive prowess, this game promises to be a high-scoring affair with plenty of action.
Time: 1:00pm ET
Date: Sunday, Dec 24
Channels: NFL+, FOX
Stadium: U.S. Bank Stadium
How to watch Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings
Dallas Cowboys (10-4) at Miami Dolphins (10-4)
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Dallas Cowboys, with a record of 10-4, are set to face the Miami Dolphins, also at 10-4, at Hard Rock Stadium, with the Dolphins entering the game as slight favorites.
The Cowboys, coming off a 31-10 loss to the Bills, are looking to bounce back. Dak Prescott, despite throwing for 134 yards and an interception in their last game, remains a key player for Dallas. The Cowboys' offense, averaging 30.8 points per game, is backed by a strong running game led by Tony Pollard and a receiving corps featuring CeeDee Lamb.
On the other side, the Dolphins, fresh from a commanding 30-0 victory over the Jets, are showcasing their offensive prowess. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, with a 119.4 rating from the last game, and his connection with receiver Jaylen Waddle, who racked up 142 yards, are crucial for Miami's top-ranked passing offense, averaging 274.4 yards per game. The Dolphins' defense, allowing an average of 21.0 points per game, will be tested against the Cowboys' dynamic offense.
Why you should not miss this game:
This clash between the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins is more than just a regular NFL game; it's a showcase of all-out offenses and strategic defenses.
Both teams, tied at a 10-4 record, are not only battling for a win but also for playoff positioning, making every play crucial. The Cowboys' robust offense, known for its versatility and explosive plays, will be up against the Dolphins' formidable defense, which has consistently demonstrated resilience.
On the flip side, Miami's top-tier passing attack, led by the precision of Tua Tagovailoa, will challenge the Cowboys' defense, which has been effective against both the pass and the run.
Time: 4:25pm ET
Date: Sunday, Dec 24
Channels: FOX, NFL+
Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium
How to watch Dallas Cowboys @ Miami Dolphins
Baltimore Ravens (11-3) at San Francisco 49ers (11-3)
The Baltimore Ravens are set to face the San Francisco 49ers in a massive matchup on Christmas night at Levi’s Stadium. Both teams come off convincing wins, with Baltimore defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-7 and San Francisco overpowering the Arizona Cardinals 45-29.
The Ravens' offense, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, who went 14 of 24 with a touchdown and an interception against the Jaguars, will be a key factor. Jackson also led the team in rushing, highlighting his dual-threat capability. The Ravens' tight end Isaiah Likely and running back Gus Edwards have been instrumental in their recent success.
The 49ers, on the other hand, have shown their offensive strength with quarterback Brock Purdy's impressive performance, going 16 of 25 for 242 yards and four touchdowns against the Cardinals. Running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel have been pivotal in San Francisco's attack, combining both rushing and receiving skills to dominate the field.
Why you should not miss this game:
This game is a must-watch due to the high stakes and the caliber of talent on both teams. The Ravens and 49ers, both with 11-3 records, are among the top contenders in the NFL this season.
The dynamic play of Lamar Jackson for the Ravens, known for his electrifying runs and passing accuracy, contrasts sharply with the 49ers' balanced and potent offense led by the emerging Brock Purdy. This matchup is not just a battle for victory but a clash of strategic minds and athletic prowess.
With both teams eyeing playoff positioning, expect a game filled with intensity, tactical gameplay, and moments of individual brilliance.
Time: 8:15pm ET
Date: Monday, Dec 25
Channels: ABC, NFL+
Stadium: Levi’s Stadium
How to watch Baltimore Ravens @ San Francisco 49ers
Author: Dan Anderson