Written by: Tyler Deakin
Are you ready for another wild weekend of NFL games?! There are so many good games happening this week that it was tough to narrow down this list of the best games to watch. Games that just missed the cut included: Browns @ Packers, Rams @ Vikings, & Broncos @ Raiders. You will notice that all of these games have massive playoff implications, and several of them will in all likelihood decide who wins certain division titles. Let’s get down to business, and dive in to analyze & discuss this week’s best games to watch. Happy Holidays to you all!
49ers (8-6) @ Titans (9-5): Thursday Night Football
After a fantastic Thursday Night game last week in the Chiefs vs. Chargers, the NFL nailed it again pitting these two teams against each other. Both teams are similar stylistically in that they like to run the ball & set up play action. To that point about play action, the Titans are expecting WR AJ Brown back for this contest after missing several games with a chest injury. That’s crucial, as QB Ryan Tannehill has been held under 200 passing yards in 3 straight games. These teams have headed in opposite directions recently, as the Titans are ice cold while the 49ers are red hot heading into January. Will these trends continue, or will the Titans rebound?
Colts (8-6) @ Cardinals (10-4): Christmas Night Football
What an absolutely fantastic way to celebrate Christmas evening! I applaud the NFL for putting together the type of schedule that features two of the NFL’s elite playing on Christmas. The MVP Award is typically reserved for the best quarterback in the league; however, voters should strongly consider making an exception for Colts RB Jonathan Taylor. Think about it, he’s single handedly carrying an offense led by inconsistent Carson Wentz. Meanwhile, Cardinals MVP candidate Kyler Murray has started to slow down after a strong start to his season. The team officially reached rock bottom last week in their embarrassing 30-12 loss to the Lions.
Dolphins (7-7) @ Saints (7-7): Monday Night Football
This is a de-facto playoff game for the Dolphins, as they can’t afford to lose any more games in the tough AFC Wild Card race. Good news for them is that stud rookie receiver Jaylen Waddle is coming off the COVID list this week & he is expected to play against the Saints. He’ll matchup against Saints CB Marshon Lattimore in a fascinating battle to watch. Speaking of the Saints, let’s give them credit for beating the Buccaneers last week. Sure, the Bucs were missing some key players due to injury; however, that was a huge win for the Saints against a great team. It absolutely killed me to write nice things about the Saints here as a long-suffering Falcons fan.
Ravens (8-6) @ Bengals (8-6)
The Ravens went tumbling from the #4 seed in the AFC to the #8 seed in last week’s crushing loss to the Packers. They have an opportunity for redemption this week though, as they could reclaim their #4 seed, and an AFC North division lead, by beating the Bengals on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bengals stunned the football world by moving up 5 spots in the playoff picture. Will either of these teams get their superstar players back from ankle injuries before kickoff? Lamar Jackson means everything to this Ravens team, while Joe Mixon has been a stud for the Bengals this year. Make sure to tune in & find out the likely winner of the AFC North this week.
Bills (8-6) @ Patriots (9-5)
These Bills have kept themselves in contention for the division title with their win over the Panthers last week combined with the Patriots loss to the Colts. QB Josh Allen continues to deal with a sprained foot, but he looked fine in throwing for 3 TDs in last week’s win. Speaking of injuries, the Patriots might get RB Damien Harris back after he missed last week’s game. Running the ball will certainly be part of the game plan for the Patriots as they look to keep Josh Allen off the field as much as possible. Which team emerges as the AFC East division winner?
Steelers (7-6-1) @ Chiefs (10-4)
Steelers CB Joe Haden made a season-saving tackle in last week’s win over the Titans. Their defense will need to make similar plays against the #1 seeded Chiefs to pull off the upset. That won’t be easy against a Chiefs offense that looks like they found their mojo in last week’s win over the Chargers. Their formula is simple, throw the ball to their two best players in Tyreek Hill & Travis Kelce & let them do the rest. Will the Steelers be able to stop them this weekend?
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