There are just two weeks to go before the playoffs, and there is everything to play for.
Spots are tight across both divisions, and the logjam in placings means that any slip-ups now could be the difference between making it or not.
A Thursday night battle between the Rams and the Seahawks is the perfect start to a massive weekend of football, while for us Aussies, a special treat with some Sunday afternoon games for us to sink our teeth into.
Let’s look at it all.
For the latest NFL news, predictions, and betting tips, read on with my NFL Tips & Predictions for week 16 below!
LA Rams vs Seattle Seahawks
Friday, December 19th, 12:15pm AEDT - Lumen Field, Seattle
The shortened preparation only makes this NFC West Divisional showdown even more gigantic.
The Rams engaged in a SoFi shootout with the Lions last week and now need to head up to the Pacific Northwest to tackle Sammy Darnold and the Seahawks squad.
Last week, the Seahawks had to escape an emotion-charged Indianapolis, led by 44-year-old Phil Rivers. They had to lean on six field goals to beat Indy and advance to 11-3.
DaVante Adams is likely to miss time with what looked to be a serious hamstring twinge. He leads the NFL in TD grabs, so his loss will be felt.
When these two met earlier this season, Darnold threw four picks, and the Rams won 21-19.
This one likely decides the NFC West with both squads locked away at 11 wins.
Betting tip: Rams 22 - Seahawks 21
Best Bet: Blake Corum 50+ rush yards
Philadelphia Eagles vs Washington Commanders
Sunday, December 21st, 09:00 am AEDT - Northwest Stadium
The Eagles needed a feel-good game, and Vegas kindly obliged.
Saquon scored, Jalen Hurts was efficient in the passing game, AJ Brown found the end zone, and the defence played well. Vegas offered nothing, going scoreless in the game.
Washington got a divisional win in New York, but all is lost on the season for the Commanders, who could not replicate last season’s phenomenal run to the playoffs.
The Eagles should be able to secure win #10 in this one, but Washington in Washington is never an easy task.
Betting tip: Eagles 26 - Commanders 17
Best Bet: DeVonta Smith anytime TD
Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears
Sunday, December 21st, 12:20 pm AEDT - Soldier Field
This is a divisional deciding type game with the Pack and Chicago colliding.
The Pack stayed on the road after last week’s blockbuster in Denver, where they looked to be in a comfortable position before stud edge rusher Micah Parsons went down with a bad knee injury and Bo Nix took over.
As well as Parsons’ season-ending injury, bad news is likely with wideout Christian Watson, who injured a shoulder in a deep ball clash with superstar Broncos DB Patrick Surtain.
Losing both Parsons and Watson would be a crucial blow for the Packers' Super Bowl hopes.
The Bears had to endure freezing frigid weather inside Soldier Field, but it mattered little, as they dismantled Cleveland on both sides of the ball.
A quirk in the schedule saw these two teams square off in week 14, which ended in a Green Bay win, 28-21.
This is a Sunday afternoon treat for Aussie football fans. Recline the lounge and enjoy!
Betting tip: Packers 23 - Bears 21
Best Bet: Josh Jacobs anytime TD & Kyle Monangai anytime TD
New England Patriots vs Baltimore Ravens
Monday, December 22nd, 12:20 pm AEDT - M&T Bank Stadium
Aussie NFL fans rejoice in some bonus Sunday morning football as we get two playoff-calibre games to feast upon.
New England was good against Buffalo, but Josh Allen was better as they dropped just their third game of the season. A quick rebound will be needed so the divisional lead does not come under any more threat from those Bills.
The Ravens shut out Cincinnati on a freezing Sunday afternoon last week, with Derrick Henry rumbling for 100 yards on just 12 carries and Lamar Jackson only needing 12 passing attempts. My Bengals really did offer no resistance.
At 7-7, this is a must-win for Baltimore, with an old rival coming to town.
Betting tip: Patriots 24 - Ravens 22
Best Bet: Drake Maye 250+ pass yards
San Francisco 49ers vs Indianapolis Colts
Tuesday, December 23rd, 12:15 pm AEDT - Lucas Oil Stadium
Hand in the air - I expected the Phil Rivers experiment to end in absolute pain.
One week in, I’m wrong, but I am still on the side that says Indy cannot go anywhere with a 44-year-old QB who has not played for almost half a decade.
San Francisco comes to town in an interesting position.
They’re as likely to win the NFC West as they are to miss the playoffs entirely.
But they’re a team no one wants to face with a proven track record in the big games. Kyle Shanahan, Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy, and George Kittle - they’re dangerous.
One team seems to be trending upward, whilst the other seems to be trending south. You can work out who.
Betting tip: Niners 28 - Colts 20
Best Bet: Christian McCaffrey 40+ receiving yards & =4.5 catches