7. Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Rams (Sunday, Dec. 10)
Entering the season, the Eagles and Rams were expected to finish near the bottom of their respective divisions. Instead, each team leads their division and sport some of the best records in football. In fact, the Eagles have the best record in football. If that’s not enough to warrant this game being watched en mass, consider that it will be the first time Carson Wentz and Jared Goff, the top two picks in the 2016 draft, square off against each other.
6. Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (Saturday, Dec. 23)
Things do not look great for the Packers in the NFC North right now, but if they can hang on in the aftermath of losing Aaron Rodgers, it sets up a potentially dramatic situation in Week 16. Although it’s a long-shot, it’s possible that Rodgers is activated off of injured reserve (IR) in mid-December, setting up a key divisional showdown with the Vikings on December 23. There’s also a possibility that Teddy Bridgewater is quarterbacking the Vikings in this one. Could you imagine?
5. Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans (Sunday, Dec. 31)
Who would have ever anticipated a Jaguars game being among the best remaining on the schedule, let alone a Week 17 matchup that could potentially determine the AFC South? That, of course, is why they play the game. The Jaguars have surged to a surprising 4-3 record on the season and are in the thick of the divisional race. Led by their turnover-causing, sack-invading defense, they appear poised to make a legitimate run at the divisional crown. Who ends up victorious in this game may be headed for the playoffs as the division champion.
4. Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday, Dec. 31)
The Eagles appear poised to run away with the NFC East, but if one team has a chance to catch them, it will probably be the Cowboys, who won the division in 2016. And with two games remaining between these teams, the Eagles’ lead in the division could disappear. Dallas has looked much better over the past two games and finally seems to be hitting its stride, though if Ezekiel Elliott is sidelined, that will hurt them. Regardless, the game will probably help determine final playoff seedings, as well as a wild-card berth.
3. Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (Sunday, Dec. 24)
For a brief moment, the Bills stood alone atop the AFC East. While that has changed, they’ve established themselves as a worthy competitor to both Patriots and Dolphins, who have also come on. That’s what makes a Week 16 battle with New England so interesting. If Buffalo can continue playing well and win their divisional games, this Christmas Eve game could be a big one in the AFC East.
2. Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (Thursday, Nov. 23)
The Vikings seem to have a handle on the NFC North at this stage of the game, but they’ve already been beaten by the Lions once this season. That alone makes the Week 12 rivalry game worth watching. Toss in the fact that it’ll take place on Thanksgiving Day, and that makes the game all the more exciting. What’s better than family, friends, good food and meaningful football? On any other day, this game is further down the list. The holiday is primarily what makes it so much better.
1. New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, Dec. 17)
The Patriots have struggled defensively for much of the season, but there is an overriding belief that they’ll eventually figure it out. Even if they don’t, they can ride the arm of Tom Brady, who is still among the most elite in football. That makes a Week 15 game against the Steelers among the most intriguing on the remaining schedule. Pittsburgh is rounding into shape at the midway point and once again look like potential Super Bowl contenders, so this game could be considered an AFC Championship Game preview.
