The Three Week 16 NFL Games With The Biggest Playoff Implications

There are just two weeks left in the 2014 NFL regular season. If you’re getting a little choked up I forgive you. Winding down an NFL season is never fun, but then again as the playoffs loom every game is a must-win. Thus, what we’re losing in weeks left in the season we are gaining in drama and exciting games. In Week 16 there are three NFL games that are simply bigger than the rest when it comes to playoff implications.

The outcome of these games will definitely help determine which teams make the playoffs around the league. Many teams, and those team’s fans, not involved in this week’s biggest contests will be on the edge of their watching. Honorable mention goes to the NFC South clash of the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints and the already clinched Broncos’ match-up with the Bengals.

Aug 24, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver

(82) runs with the ball after a pass reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

3. Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers

If the season ended today the Chiefs would be on the outside looking in at the playoffs and the Steelers would sneak in as the fifth seed in the AFC. The winner of this game will obviously take another step closer to the playoffs as a win is paramount to both squads.

If Pittsburgh wins and the Ravens defeat Houston, the Chiefs’ playoff dreams are essentially dashed. If the Steelers lose and the Chargers beat the 49ers and/or the Bills beat the Raiders then they could fall down to the bottom of the wildcard race.

Rooting For Kansas City: Cincinnati, Baltimore, San Diego and Buffalo.

Rooting For Pittsburgh: Just the Steel City.

Nov 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back

(29) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2. Indianapolis Colts at Dallas Cowboys

This game will be incredibly entertaining because it is one of the marque inter-conference match-ups of the 2014 season. Both teams have to be feeling good about their playoff chances right now — the Colts especially. But still this game is very important for seeding purposes as well.

If the Colts win then they will have kept their slim hopes of getting a bye in the playoffs alive (if either the Broncos or Patriots lose this week that is), but the Cowboys will fall into a tie atop the NFC East with the Eagles heading into the last week of the season. If the Cowboys win the Eagles will be putting all of their hope into the Seahawks losing, or the Packers losing earlier in the day.

Rooting For Indianapolis: Philadelphia, Green Bay, Seattle, Detroit and Arizona.

Rooting For Dallas: Just the Big D and I suppose anyone that hates Philadelphia.

Nov 23, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback

(3) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback

(21) after the game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals

This game is the most interesting contest of the weekend and it will be on the appropriate stage of Sunday Night Football. The Seahawks are the NFC’s hottest team and the Cards are down to their third-string quarterback, but Arizona has surprised people all year — why should it stop now? The game is in Arizona so the Cardinals definitely have a chance.

If Arizona pulls out the win it’ll be in prime position for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. If Seattle wins they’ll be in line for the No. 1 seed, although Dallas could also take home the No. 1 seed if the Cardinals lose and the same goes for Detroit. What an exciting game this will be.

Rooting For Seattle: Detroit, Dallas (Because it has the tie-breaker over Seattle) and Green Bay (Hoping that the Seahawks lose in Week 17).

Rooting For Arizona: Philadelphia (It doesn’t have a shot at the No. 1 seed anyway).