The NFL Roundup Week 16 - The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It's going to be an interesting weekend of football for a couple of reasons. For starters, the schedule is broken up over four days instead of three. But above and beyond enjoying NFL football on a Saturday for a change, the other big reason this weekend will be so interesting, is because of how many teams still remain on the playoff bubble.

​Only four teams are officially in, which means teams that still have a chance are going to battle hard for every single win, making for some fascinating football and those are the games we will be keeping an eye upon this weekend, ones filled with intense playoff drama as eight more teams fight to fulfill their dream of making the playoffs and maybe, just maybe...hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season. 

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT GREEN BAY PACKERS
12/24/16 - 1:00 p.m. EST - FOX

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Vikings were 5-0, in control of the NFC North and the playoffs seemed to be a foregone conclusion for this team. But something went terribly wrong, the streak ended, losses mounted and the Vikings are now on the outside looking in. But there is still hope for them to reach the tournament, they'll need some help from a few other teams...and they'll definitely need a win over the surging Green Bay Packers. In order to pull off this feat, they'll need to return to their old ways from earlier in the season and play stout defense and move the ball on offense, but it won't be easy. The Packers have found their groove late in the season and with the playoffs and the NFC North possibly within their grasp, they will do everything they can to secure a win and when all is said and done, I expect Green Bay to be the victor in this one. 

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS
12/25/16 - 4:30 p.m. EST - CBS

This is an AFC North matchup, with some massive implications for the AFC playoff picture. If Pittsburgh wins, they are division champions and earn a spot in the tournament. If Baltimore wins, they play the spoiler and need to beat the Bengals in Week 17 to wrap up the AFC North. That means a matchup that is traditionally nasty as is, is about to get all the more intense. After all, Baltimore boasts one of the finest defenses in the league and Joe Flacco will no doubt be looking for an opportunity to exploit the so-so Steeler defense. But considering how Pittsburgh pulled themselves out of a hole against Cincinnati last week, expect them to give as good as they get and as much as I can see Baltimore ruining Pittsburgh's day...I get the funny feeling the Steelers are going to surprise the Ravens and play some lights out football on their way to another division title...and the playoffs. 

DENVER BRONCOS AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
​Sunday Night Football - 8:30 p.m. EST - NBC

The Denver Broncos season now sits on the brink because after two big losses they have to win this game, their season finale against Oakland and hope for a little bit of luck to make it into the playoffs. But really, this game goes beyond simply making a playoff run for the Broncos...this game serves as a referendum on the team's biggest flaw in 2016, the offensive line. We know the defense will do its part in slowing down the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night, but if Trevor Siemian...or someone on the offensive side of the ball can't get the line to come together and play as one...than the offensive woes for this team will continue and unfortunately for the Broncos...I get the funny feeling it's going to be an ugly night for them in Arrowhead Stadium because if that offensive line hasn't played well over the course of  14 weeks...why the heck would they start now? 

DETROIT LIONS AT DALLAS COWBOYS
​Monday Night Football - 8:30 p.m. EST - ESPN

This particular game is fascinating for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, the Dallas Cowboys in essence have nothing to play for, since the Giants' loss on Thursday night handed Dallas the NFC East division title, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. However, the Detroit Lions have everything to play for. The Packers are nipping at their heels in the NFC North and a win here would help move them one step closer to the playoffs and their own division title. Which means, Dallas has some tough choices to make, do they put Dak and Zeke out on the field and risk injury, or do they send in Romo and the second team and whatever happens...happens? It's a tough call for certain simply because Dallas has an opportunity to get their first team players plenty of reps and solidify their record, but on the other hand, resting their starters and having them fresh and ready for the tournament isn't a bad thing either. My guess is...if Dallas rolls with all their starters, they win this one, and if they decide to give the first team a rest...Detroit snags their tenth win of the season.