NFL Week 16 Weekend Slate Previews

Saturday Slate:

Texans vs. Chiefs

Houston's offense has struggled to find consistency all year. Heading into the season, the thought was Stroud would ascend to elite status, and his trio of receivers would be almost unstoppable. Add to the mix former Bengal RB Joe Mixon and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik would write his check to be a head coach next season. In reality, none of that happened.

The Chiefs are managing their own 'struggling' offense, and now an apparent injury to Mahomes could affect their ability to hold on to the top spot in the AFC. Kansas City's offense isn't sexy, but it is ultra-efficient. It will need to be against one of the best defenses in football.

Steelers vs. Ravens

It's probably the most crucial game in the AFC. The Steelers are holding onto the #1 spot in the North, while most pundits still feel the Ravens are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. At this point in the season, you must honor that Pittsburgh has won 10 games and controls their destiny. The defense is playing well, and OC Arthur Smith has built the perfect offense for Russel Wilson. The issue is that George Pickens might not play, and if that is the case, even against a Porous Ravens secondary, it could be tough sledding.

Baltimore has been an enigma all season. Outside of Buffalo, they hold the best offense in the NFL. The defense can stop the run, but the secondary has been a mess all year. The Ravens need to be stingy on the Steelers' running game and force Wilson into being a dropback passer. The mismatches are clearly in the passing game, and if Pickens isn't playing, their ability to win goes up. Lamar and Co. should be able to move the ball, especially through the air.

Sunday Slate:

Eagles vs. Commanders

Of all the games this weekend, this NFC East battle may be the most important for playoff ramifications. Let's lay it out. First, the Eagles are fighting to capture the #1 slot in the NFC. They are currently tied with the Lions but hold a 7-2 record in the conference.

Philly has to play the rest of the East, while the Lions have the Bears, 49ers, and Vikings. That is a tough slate for a team limping into the playoffs. Every game from here on out is a playoff game for each team. One slip-up by either the Eagles or Lions ensures the other will probably get the bye.

The Commanders need to stay ahead of the second-place team in the West. Currently, the Seahawks sit right outside the playoffs at 8-6. Washington must handle the Falcons and Cowboys to finish. Seattle has the Vikings, Bears, and Rams.

Regarding the game, the Eagles need to spread the Commanders' defense out, which does well against heavier packages (12 pers.). Leaning into the run game will also be critical, as Washington has struggled to stop good running attacks. The Washington offense has cooled on the back half of the season and, like the Eagles, will need to control the game on the ground. That is where the best matchup lies. As for Philly's defense, they have grown exponentially better since the start of the season.

Vikings vs. Seahawks

This is a bad offensive matchup for both teams. Minnesota holds arguably the best defense in football, and the Seahawks have blossomed into an excellent run defense. The Vikings have an advantage in the passing game, and if Seattle can make this a one-dimensional game, they can keep this close or even win it. Minnesota will attempt to do the same thing, which has been DC Brian Flores' primary objective: suffocate the run and force offenses into obvious passing situations.

Sunday Night Football:

Buccaneers vs. Cowboys

Tampa is coming into this game hot. The Buccaneers are 4-0, having charged through an easy part of their schedule. Tampa Bay holds on to 3rd place in the NFC by one game over the Rams. LA has the Seahawks neck-and-neck with them headed toward the finish line. Though Sean McVay and Co. hold the tiebreaker against the Bucs, neither team can afford more losses.

Dallas is also coming in strong with a 3-1 record in the last month. This will be a good test for Tampa Bay. The Cowboys run game is starting to come alive, and the defense seems to be putting the pieces together, even with key injuries. Right now, the pressure-heavy Bucs, with a high-powered offense, are not a team most want to see in a Wildcard matchup. A win in Dallas will go a long way in building confidence for January's playoff stretch.

Monday Night Football:

Saints vs. Packers

Green Bay is the third wheel in the NFC North at 10-4 and has the Saints, Vikings, and Bears to finish the season. There is a slight hope that they might be able to win the division, especially with a game left against the Vikings and the Lions limping into the playoffs. But, first, they have to get by a pesky Saints defense. Matt LaFleur has really leaned into the run game in recent weeks, and that is where the Packers match up best against a Saints secondary that has played well all year.

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As we dive in, we look forward to the conversation, debate, and your feedback. Hit us up at @fieldvisionmi on X, @fieldvisionsports on Instagram, or on our website www.fieldvisionsports.com.