The NFL season heads down the stretch and there will no shortage of games that can not be missed as teams vie for playoff spots and positions.
Week 13: 49ers-Ravens
Teams that could meet in the Super Bowl … no one thought that would be said at the beginning of the season. Lamar Jackson has been amazing as Ravens quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo continues to win with San Francisco, which has a ferocious defense. This one has “can’t miss” all over it.
Raiders-Chiefs
This could play a major role in what happens in the AFC West. No one is surprised the Chiefs are in the thick of the divisional race. However, few expected Jon Gruden and his Raiders to turn things around as quickly as they have. The Raiders will have to prove they can win at Arrowhead, which is not easy despite the home troubles KC had midseason.
Patriots-Texans
The game will likely mean far more to Houston than New England. However, don’t pass up the chance to see Tom Brady and Deshaun Watson duel. Two great QBs in a matchup of the ages.
Vikings-Seahawks
This one should be fun as Minnesota has gotten its act together on both sides of the ball. Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook are major spokes in a key attack that can score from anywhere. And, we all know the kind of games Russell Wilson and the Seahawks have when they face an upper-echelon opponent.
Week 14: 49ers-Saints
A possible preview of an NFC playoff game or the NFC Championship Game? Depending on how teams wind up seeded, it would not be surprising for these two to match up in the post season. High-powered offense of New Orleans against a defense that is quickly becoming vaunted in SF. And neither team is a slacker on the other side of the ball.
Chiefs-Patriots
Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady go at it in Round 3. The pair met last season with Brady and the Patriots twice coming away victorious.
Seahawks-Rams
The Rams have put themselves in a diabolical position by losing four of their first nine in a division that has seen Seattle and San Francisco thrive. LA is looking up at both those teams and has a chance to knock each off in the final five weeks. A split likely will put the Rams in a difficult situation to grab a Wild-Card slot, which is going to be disappointing after going to the Super Bowl.
Week: 15: Rams-Cowboys
Both teams figure to be looking at high stakes in this matchup. Dallas is vying for another NFC East title.
Colts-Saints
The Colts will be in a battle for their playoff lives, either a Wild-Card or the AFC South. The Saints, meanwhile, have to find a way to keep pace with the top teams in the NFC for home-field advantage.
Week 16: Bills-Patriots
The Bills will be looking to avenge an early season loss to New England on their annual trip to Foxboro. Will Josh Allen be able to come up big in what figures to be a huge game for Buffalo’s playoff dreams?
Rams-49ers
The Niners should be looking to stay ahead of the Seahawks in the NFC West. Meanwhile the defending NFC champs have to win to try and find their way into the Wild-Card race.
Bengals-Dolphins
Everything can’t be serious. This could be the worst matchup of the year, and is definitely in the top or bottom three. A probable battle of the Ryans: Fitzpatrick vs. Finley.
Ravens-Browns
Now this has all sorts of good implications. The Ravens will be looking to settle a score for the beating the Browns put on them in Baltimore. Cleveland is in a situation where it must keep winning to have any hope for a postseason shot or better record than 2018.
Cowboys-Eagles
The winner of this game likely will take home the championship in the NFC (L)East. Neither team looks like it will be able to take a firm hold on much of anything other than inconsistency in 2019.
Packers-Vikings
All that will likely be at stake here is the NFC North and postseason positioning in what should be a great game between division rivals. Have to love Aaron Rodgers getting a chance to get the best of Minnesota and Kirk Cousins.
Week 17: Steelers-Ravens
These AFC North wars always have something at stake. Will it be Baltimore’s playoff position and hope for home-field advantage throughout the postseason or could it be the Steelers desperately trying to overcome a sorry start to the season and possibly find their way into a Wild-Card spot?
Saints-Panthers
The New Orleans Saints likely will be playing for playoff position in the NFC and it comes down to their final game of the season at Charlotte. What could be fascinating on the Panthers’ side is if there slide continues and if Ron Rivera could be coaching for his job or his last game in Carolina.
49ers-Seahawks
If the second dance between these teams is anything like the first in 2019, it could be a classic. The only possible way it can disappoint is if both teams are locked into playoff position and the game winds up meaning far less than fans can hope.
