Week 16 of the 2024 NFL schedule could prove crucial for several teams, some key playoff races with the potential to swing decisively – and Saturday’s doubleheader could be especially impactful.
Whether or not injured QB Patrick Mahomes plays, if the Kansas City Chiefs take down the AFC South champion Houston Texans, the reigning champions would (at minimum) be one win – or Buffalo Bills loss – away from locking up home-field advantage and a first-round bye in the postseason. Saturday’s late-afternoon window serves up an even more compelling matchup, when the Pittsburgh Steelers could either claim the AFC North by beating the Ravens in Baltimore for the fifth straight season or find themselves in a virtual dead heat with their archrivals if Lamar Jackson and Co. finally crack the code.
Sunday’s major implications will cut across the schedule – particularly as the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles try to keep pace in the race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, though Philly can also wrap up the NFC East by sweeping the Washington Commanders. The Green Bay Packers can clinch their own playoff berth Monday night – if not before with help.
Here’s how USA TODAY Sports’ panel of NFL experts foresee the immediate football future:
(Odds provided by BetMGM)
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Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
Los Angeles Rams at New York Jets
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders
Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
Jacksonville Jaguars at Las Vegas Raiders
San Francisco 49ers at Miami Dolphins
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys
New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers
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