Christmas Week in the NFL: Thursday Night Opener and Saturday Showdowns
Another holiday edition of football is here, but this time filled with Christmas cheer. The New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams open the week on Thursday Night Football. NFL odds for Week 16 will likely list the Saints as favorites. The Rams are in the midst of a rebuild, while New Orleans is hunting its first divisional title since 2020. Will Los Angeles’ defense led by defensive tackle Aaron Donald generate enough pressure to shut down quarterback Derek and the Saints’ passing attack?
Week 16 will also feature the first Saturday games of the season. It will be a doubleheader with the Cincinnati Bengals visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers playing host to the Buffalo Bills. The Bengals-Steelers is an intriguing AFC North battle that should have no shortage of intensity. Cincinnati and Pittsburgh’s matchups have gotten out of hand at times, especially when linebacker Vontaze Burfict was delivering controversial hits for the Bengals.
The Bills-Chargers is one of the top games of the week, perfect for the Saturday night spotlight. This will be Peacock’s first exclusive game of the season. The network will also get a wild-card game later in the season, which drew complaints from NFL fans. Peacock couldn’t ask for a better regular-season game.
Buffalo is led by quarterback Josh Allen, while quarterback Justin Herbert is the face of the Chargers franchise. Both signal-callers are among the NFL lines’ favorites for the MVP Award. This could be a playoff preview, as the Bills are viewed as a contender while the Chargers are looking to break through. This will be the first meeting between the two since 2020, which Buffalo won 27-17.
Christmas Eve NFL Matchups: Watson’s Return, Divisional Stakes, and Offensive Showdowns
On Christmas Eve, the NFL has 10 games scheduled. Most of the games are unappealing compared to recent weeks. For example, the Tampa Buccaneers could lack offense to keep up with the Jacksonville Jaguars offense, spearheaded by quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
The Cleveland Browns against the Houston Texans will draw eyes, as quarterback Deshaun Watson will face his former team. Like in the 2022 season, Watson will be visiting his former stadium in Houston. Expect the boobirds to be out. Will the Texans’ quarterback of the future – C.J. Stroud – outduel Watson and the Browns?
The Detroit Lions against the Minnesota Vikings will hold meaningful divisional stakes. The NFC North appears to be wide open. NFL odds listed the Lions as the favorite during the offseason. The Vikings are reigning divisional champions, though. This could be a key game for Minnesota to build momentum for another divisional title. This clash should also have plenty of offense.
Week 16 NFL Showdowns: Cowboys vs. Dolphins, Christmas Day Thrills, and Playoff Implications
The Dallas Cowboys against the Miami Dolphins could be the best game of Sunday afternoon, which should draw plenty of betting action. Dallas is viewed as a potential contender in the NFC, while Miami is looking to breakout led by an improved defense. The Fins’ star wideout duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle lining up against the Cowboys’ cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore is an exciting matchup. The sportsbook is offering various props for this anticipated clash.
The New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos will battle on the night before Christmas, capping Sunday’s action. On Christmas, the NFL has a three-game Monday slate, including the Raiders-Chiefs, Giants-Eagles and Ravens-49ers. The Giants-Eagles and Ravens-49ers stand out as exceptional matchups. New York will be looking to crash the party in the NFC East, while Baltimore and San Francisco are potential contenders with excellent coaching.
This should be a great week of football with playoff implications in several spotlight games. The Bills-Chargers and Ravens-49ers could be the top games of Week 16.
As we turn our attention to NFL Week 17 Odds, the stakes reach their peak. Teams are desperate to secure their positions, jockeying for playoff spots and divisional titles. Every game becomes crucial in determining the postseason fate of these teams.
