With just three weeks remaining in the 2025 NFL season, Week 16 is loaded with playoff-clinching scenarios, must-win divisional rivalries, and prime-time battles that will define the final bracket. The stakes have never been higher, as the AFC battles for the No. 1 seed and the NFC sees its West division titans clash for supremacy.
Here is your preview of the biggest games and storylines for NFL Week 16.
Top Playoff Defining Battles
1. NFC West Showdown: Rams at Seahawks (Thursday Night Football)
Date: Thursday, December 18th | Time: 7:15 PM CST | Venue: Lumen Field, Seattle
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The Stakes (NFC No. 1 Seed): This game is an elimination bout for the NFC West title and the coveted single-bye No. 1 seed. Both the Rams (11-3) and Seahawks (11-3) are tied atop the division. The winner takes the lead in the division race and clinches a playoff spot. The loser falls into the Wild Card mess, potentially dropping as low as the No. 5 seed.
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Key Storyline: Missing Stars: The Rams are reportedly set to be without star wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring), who was injured late in Week 15. This puts immense pressure on QB Matthew Stafford and WR Puka Nacua to carry the load against a fierce Seahawks defense in a hostile environment.
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Betting Line: Rams -1.5 | O/U 44.5
2. Rivalry for the North: Packers at Bears (Saturday Night Football)
Date: Saturday, December 20th | Time: 7:20 PM CST | Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago
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The Stakes (NFC North): This is for the NFC North crown. The Chicago Bears (10-4) regained the lead after their Week 15 win, but the Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) are right on their heels. The winner gains a major advantage in claiming a home playoff game. The loser is likely headed to a Wild Card spot.
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Key Storyline: Quarterback Duel: This game pits Caleb Williams against a tough Green Bay secondary, making every snap a high-pressure situation for the young quarterback as he fights to finish the season strong and secure his first division title.
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Betting Line: Packers -1.5 | O/U 46.5
3. AFC Showdown: Patriots at Ravens (Sunday Night Football)
Date: Sunday, December 21st | Time: 7:20 PM CST | Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
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The Stakes (AFC East & Wild Card): The New England Patriots (11-3) are battling for the AFC’s No. 1 seed, while the Baltimore Ravens (7-7) are fighting desperately to stay alive in the AFC Wild Card and AFC North races. Baltimore cannot afford another loss.
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The Angle: The Patriots need to keep winning to hold off the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos for the top spot. The Ravens’ defense, if healthy, could make life difficult for the Patriots’ offense in the cold, Baltimore night.
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Betting Line: Ravens -2.5 | O/U 47.5
Critical Wild Card & Division Scenarios
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Jaguars at Broncos: The AFC No. 1 seed is on the line. The Denver Broncos (12-2) clinched a playoff berth in Week 15 but need a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-5) to maintain control of the AFC’s top spot and ensure home-field advantage through the playoffs. Denver is a 3-point favorite.
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49ers at Colts (Monday Night Football): The San Francisco 49ers (10-4) are battling for a Wild Card spot and need this road win against the short-handed Indianapolis Colts (8-6), who are dealing with a key quarterback injury. A 49ers win puts huge pressure on the other NFC Wild Card contenders.
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Chargers at Cowboys: A critical inter-conference clash. The Los Angeles Chargers (9-5) need this win to solidify their AFC Wild Card spot. The Dallas Cowboys (7-7) are clinging to the NFC Wild Card race and can’t afford a home loss. The line is tight, with the Cowboys favored by 1.5.
