Exciting NFL Matchups to Watch Ahead of the Super Bowl
Everyone knows that the biggest football game of the season is the Super Bowl. But the road to the Super Bowl is paved with many other big games and exciting NFL matchups. Even before the playoff begins, there are games fans will want to know about that will have huge implications with regard to playoff seeding and even what teams are in or out. Granted, every NFL game is important, but let’s take a closer look at some of the most compelling and meaningful NFL matchups between now and the end of the regular season.
Week 15: Dolphins vs Bills
The Dolphins and Bills have long been heated rivals, and this year they are fighting over a division title. Miami grabbed a win over Buffalo in Week 3, so if the Dolphins can score a second win over the Bills this year, they might be able to steal the AFC East crown away from them and position themselves for a deep playoff run. The problem is the Dolphins will have to win a December game in cold and windy Buffalo. The Dolphins have just one win in their last ten trips to Buffalo, so this won’t be an easy game for them, especially with the stakes so high.
Week 15: Bengals vs Buccaneers
Unfortunately, this might be the only game between Tom Brady and Joe Burrow that fans will get. That’ll make the Week 15 clash between the Bengals and the Buccaneers extra important. Of course, both teams also need to win this game. The Bengals are in a tight race in the AFC North and might even have a chance to earn the top seed in the AFC if they can finish strong. Meanwhile, Tampa’s up-and-down season has left the Bucs desperate for wins down the stretch.
Week 16: Seahawks vs Chiefs
People forget that the Seahawks and Chiefs used to be division rivals, and while it’s been two decades since that was the case, it’s always fascinating to see these teams cross paths. Of course, this game will also be meaningful for both teams in the standings. The Seahawks have surprised most of the league by being in the playoff race, but they’re going to need every win they can get to reach the postseason. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are in a tight race to claim the top seed in the AFC and force the road to the Super Bowl to go through Arrowhead, so this is a game they’ll need to win.
Week 16: Eagles vs Cowboys
Out of all of the great rivalries in the NFC East, this one might be the best. Also, there is a strong argument that the Eagles and the Cowboys are the two best teams in the NFC this season, making this one of the biggest games of the year. If the Eagles haven’t clinched the NFC East title by Week 16, this could be the game that allows them to do it. Of course, it could also let the Cowboys put themselves in a position to steal the division and the top seed in the NFC late in the year.
Week 17: Bills vs Bengals
There should be no question that the Bills and Bengals are both among the best teams in the AFC. It’s not hard to envision either of these teams reaching the Super Bowl. That makes their Week 17 a potential playoff preview and possibly important as far as seeding in the playoffs is concerned. Even better, this game is scheduled for Monday night, and as the last Monday night game of the season, the whole league will be watching.
Week 18: Patriots vs Bills
The AFC East has turned into one of the best and most competitive divisions in football. More importantly, the Patriots and Bills have an intense rivalry, so every game they play is a big deal. By Week 18, the Patriots are likely to be facing a must-win game in Buffalo in order to reach the playoffs, while the Bills could need a win to secure the top seed in the AFC. That means the stakes couldn’t be much higher for both teams in this game.
Week 18: Ravens vs Bengals
There is a distinct possibility that this game could end up deciding the AFC North winner. The Ravens and Bengals have both distinguished themselves as the two best teams in that division and bonafide playoff-caliber teams. However, only one of them can win the division, while the other team might have to just settle for a Wild Card spot. The Ravens won a tight 19-17 game against the Bengals earlier this season, but the stakes could be even higher for their Week 18 clash.
Week 18: Jets vs Dolphins
Surprisingly, both the Jets and Dolphins are very much in the playoff race heading down the stretch. That means their Week 18 rivalry game could have huge implications. Even if there’s room in the playoffs for both of them, they will likely be jockeying for the top position in Week 18. And, to make things more interesting, let’s not forget that this is a heated rivalry. The Dolphins will be looking to avenge a 40-17 loss to the Jets earlier this season, while the Jets will be trying to stop a six-game losing streak against the Dolphins when visiting Miami.