NFL Team Football Schedule & Predictions 2014: 5 Teams Who Must Win Week 16 Games
With just three games remaining in the season, NFL fans will be watching critical games in every division.
Conference and division races are coming down to the wire in both the NFC and AFC, and home field advantage is on the line.
Here are five teams who have to win their Week 16 games:
1. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have to defeat the Chicago Bears this week to even have a chance at winning the NFC North. The Lions and Green Bay Packers are currently tied for first place in the division at 10-4. The bad news for the Lions is they have to travel to Lambeau in Week 17 to face the Packers. The Lions have not won at Lambeau Field since 1991, where they have lost their last 23 consecutive games. If the Lions are going to even have a chance at claiming the top spot on the final week, they have to win their Week 16 game against the Bears to improve to 11-4.
2. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos will face the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. The Broncos have already clinched the AFC West for the fourth consecutive season, but they're still trying to get that No. 1 seed in the AFC. Peyton Manning continues to perform like an elite quarterback, but he found a new weapon in running back CJ Anderson. The New England Patriots are tied with the Broncos at 11-3, but the Patriots presently hold the tie-breaker. The Broncos have won their last four consecutive games, and their defense is looking better than ever.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
What a devastating defeat it was for the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. After their loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles are now 9-5. The Eagles have lost their last two games, including three of their last five overall. Mark Sanchez isn't playing at a high level, and the Eagles secondary is among the worst in the league today. This Saturday the Eagles will take on the Washington Redskins in a must win game. Divisional games can be really tricky, regardless of records. The Eagles also have to travel to New Jersey in Week 17.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Most likely the Bengals will lose on Monday Night Football against the Broncos, thus opening up the door for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North. The Steelers host the Kansas City Chiefs, and if they can get that win, they will improve to 10-5. The Steelers will also face the Bengals in Week 17 at home. Everything is setting up perfectly for Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers to win the AFC North. Usually we see the Steelers win with defense, but the Steelers currently have the No.1 ranked offense in the NFL. The Steelers have not won the AFC North since 2010.
5. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are in the same boat as the Broncos. Both teams are 11-3 with just two games to play, and they've already won their respective division. The Patriots need to defeat the New York Jets in their next game if they want a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Don't count the Jets out, as they defeated the Patriots last season at MetLife stadium, and the last three games between these teams have been decided by three points or fewer. Last season the Patriots had to travel to Mile High Stadium in the AFC Championship game, but lost 26-16. The Patriots need home field advantage.
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