NFL Week 16 Schedule: Key Playoff Battles and Prime-Time Showdowns

The NFL season charges into its crucial final stretch. Week 16 action begins Thursday, December 19, and runs through Monday, December 23. The slate is packed with games that will directly shape the playoff picture across both conferences. Several division titles could be decided this weekend.

According to Sports Illustrated, the week features a major Thursday night clash in the NFC West. Key Saturday and Sunday matchups will also impact postseason seeding. The race for the final wild card spots remains intensely competitive.

Prime-Time Games Feature High-Stakes Divisional Drama

Week 16 kicks off with a marquee Thursday night game. The Los Angeles Rams visit the Seattle Seahawks at 8:15 PM ET on Prime Video. Both teams hold an 11-3 record atop the NFC West. The Rams currently own the tiebreaker from a November victory.

Saturday brings a rare NFL doubleheader on Fox. The Philadelphia Eagles can clinch the NFC East with a win at the Washington Commanders at 5:00 PM ET. Later, the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears renew their historic rivalry at 8:20 PM ET. Both games carry significant playoff implications.

Sunday Night Football features the New England Patriots at the Baltimore Ravens at 8:20 PM ET on NBC. Monday Night Football concludes the week on ESPN. The San Francisco 49ers travel to face the Indianapolis Colts at 8:15 PM ET.

Full Sunday Slate Loaded with Playoff Implications

The bulk of the action occurs on Sunday, December 22. Seven games are scheduled for the traditional 1:00 PM ET slot. Notable early contests include the Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns and the Dallas Cowboys hosting the Los Angeles Chargers.

The afternoon window features four more games starting between 4:05 and 4:25 PM ET. The Detroit Lions host the Pittsburgh Steelers in a key interconference matchup. The Jacksonville Jaguars visit the Denver Broncos in another game with postseason ramifications.

Every result will tighten or clarify the playoff standings. Several teams are fighting to keep their seasons alive. Others are jockeying for better seeding and potential first-round byes. The week’s outcomes will set the stage for a dramatic final two weeks.

The complete NFL Week 16 schedule offers must-see football from Thursday to Monday. Fans can expect a weekend that dramatically alters the road to the Super Bowl. Every game carries weight as the regular season winds down.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the biggest game in NFL Week 16?

The Thursday night clash between the Rams and Seahawks is arguably the biggest. It is a direct battle for first place in the NFC West with major playoff seeding on the line. The result will have a ripple effect throughout the NFC.

Where can I watch the Saturday NFL games?

Both Saturday NFL games will be broadcast nationally on Fox. The Eagles-Commanders game kicks off at 5:00 PM ET. The Packers-Bears game follows at 8:20 PM ET.

Which Week 16 game has the most playoff implications?

Multiple games have heavy implications. Beyond the NFC West battle, games like Bills-Browns and Steelers-Lions involve teams directly competing for wild card spots or division leads. The outcomes will eliminate some teams and empower others.

Is Patrick Mahomes playing in Week 16?

No. According to the injury report, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending ACL tear in a previous week. He will not play for the remainder of the season, a devastating blow for Kansas City.

Can the Eagles win the NFC East this week?

Yes. The Philadelphia Eagles can clinch the NFC East division title with a victory over the Washington Commanders on Saturday. A win would secure their spot at the top of the division regardless of other results.