- A premier showdown in the NFC West: The Seahawks and the Rams go head-to-head to decide the NFC West.
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Estimated Reading Time:27 minutes
We're diving into every matchup in Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season — including key storylines, matchups to watch, and injury news. The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks kick things off on Thursday Night Football.
Click here to jump to a game:
LAR@SEA | PHI@WAS | GB@CHI | TB@CAR | BUF@CLE | LAC@DAL | CIN@MIA | NYJ@NO | MIN@NYG | KC@TEN | ATL@ARZ | JAX@DEN | PIT@DET | LV@HOU | NE@BAL | SF@IND
Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks (-1.5)
Storyline of the game: An NFC West showdown
Through 15 weeks, the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks are both 11-3 and heading for the postseason. The Rams clinched a spot in the playoffs with a win against the Lions in Week 15 and now go into Seattle effectively playing for the division.
If the Rams win, they’ll have swept the Seahawks and have a one-game lead at the top of the NFC West. If they lose, they can’t put a foot wrong the rest of the way. The atmosphere in Lumen Field will be electric.
Two of the best teams in the NFL on both sides of the ball are slugging it out for the right to be the top seed in the NFC. If the Week 11 matchup was anything to go by, this could be an all-time classic.
Matchup to watch: WR Puka Nacua vs. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
This isn’t a traditional one-on-one matchup. Rams receiver Puka Nacua (95.4 grade; 1st) and Seahawks wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba (93.0 grade; 2nd) aren’t going to be on the field at the same time, but they’re the two best receivers in the NFL right now. Nacua is first in catches (102) and second in yards (1,367), and Smith-Njigba is first in yards (1,541) and third in catches (96). Their impacts on the game will decide the direction of it.
Smith-Njigba leads the NFL in receptions of 20 yards or more (16) and uses his explosiveness and fluidity to win. Nacua has more contested catches (24) than any player in the NFL, and wins with his toughness, sticky hands and burst.
Additional News
- Rams WR Davante Adams (hamstring/knee) is questionable.
Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5) vs. WashingtonCommanders
Storyline of the game: One step closer to the NFC East title
The Eagles put their three-game losing streak to bed in Week 15, crushing the hapless Las Vegas Raiders 31-0. It was a complete performance from the Eagles, something they’ve struggled to put together in 2025, and hopefully a sign they’re putting their inconsistency behind them.
The win puts the Eagles one victory closer to winning the NFC East for the third time in four years, and following that up with a victory against the 4-10 Washington Commanders in Week 16 will help build momentum for the playoffs. The division is all but certain for the Eagles, but another “get-right” game for the Eagles — with a win and strong effort — would put them in a good position heading into the postseason.
Matchup to watch: Eagles RB Saquon Barkley vs. Commanders’ run defense
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (63.5 grade; 52nd) hasn’t hit the heights of his 2024 season this year. Through 14 games, Barkley has rushed for 940 yards and six touchdowns, and his 2.50 yards after contact per attempt is his lowest since 2020. Injuries to the offensive line haven’t helped, but Barkley has looked better in the last two weeks with 200 yards and two touchdowns against the Raiders and Chargers.
The Eagles and Barkley will look to take advantage of one of the worst defenses against the run in Week 15. The Commanders’ PFF run-defense grade (60.0) is 23rd in the NFL, and they’ve allowed the fifth-most explosive runs (45) in 2025. The Eagles, even with their inconsistent play, are eighth in explosive runs (40). Barkley has totaled 11 explosive rushes on the season, and three in the last two games.
Additional News
- Eagles T Lane Johnson (foot), DI Jalen Carter (shoulders), RB Saquon Barkley (stinger) and G Landon Dickerson (calf) are all questionable.
Green Bay Packers (-1.5) vs. ChicagoBears
Storyline of the game: Can the Packers recover from Micah Parsons’ injury?
The Packers were dealt a huge blow in their 34-26 loss to the Broncos in Week 15, losing Micah Parsons (92.0 grade; 2nd) to a season-ending torn ACL. The potential long-term ramifications beyond this season are endless, but for now, the Packers have to concentrate on the goal at hand: competing for a Super Bowl this season.
However, losing Parsons, arguably the team’s most important player, throws a spanner into the works. Including Parsons, the Packers’ defense is seventh in pass-rush win rate and 11th in pressure rate. Without him, they’re 14th in win rate and 12th in pressure rate and have just six sacks on the season. The offense is good to go and will consistently be one of the best units in the NFL, but the defense isn’t the same unit without Parsons. Can they recover?
Matchup to watch: Packers QB Jordan Love vs. Bears’ man coverage
Packers quarterback Jordan Love (89.3 grade; 2nd) has been lights out when facing man coverage in 2025. Love has a 93.8 overall PFF grade against man coverage, the highest among all quarterbacks, throwing for 16 touchdowns and three interceptions. In the Week 14 win against the Bears, Love was 8-of-10 for 126 yards and two touchdowns against man coverage, with two big-time throws and six first-downs.
The Bears are 10th in total man-coverage snaps in 2025. But with Love already proving he’s more effective against man than zone, will they tweak their game plan?
Additional News
- Packers T Zach Tom (knee/back) is questionable.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3) vs. Carolina Panthers
Storyline of the game: Who will win the NFC South?
Heading into Week 16, you get the feeling that neither the Panthers nor the Buccaneers wants to win the NFC South. The Buccaneers are 7-7 and have lost six of their last eight games, while the Panthers missed the chance to take control of the division in Week 15 — losing 20-17 to the Saints, who also defeated the Buccaneers in Week 14.
The Panthers have been the more impressive team in recent weeks, but the Buccaneers — now with Mike Evans (70.4 grade) back in the lineup — have more talent on both sides of the ball. Tampa Bay is favored on the road, but has struggled to play good football for almost two months.
Whoever wins this moves to 8-7 and is likely to go on to win the division, while the loser will be fighting an uphill battle to make it to the postseason. However, anything can happen in the South.
Matchup to watch: Buccaneers WR Mike Evans vs. Panthers CB Jaycee Horn
Having Evans back in the lineup was a huge boost for the Buccaneers’ offense, which was struggling to make things happen. Evans caught six passes for 132 yards in his return, with all six of his catches coming on passes over 10 yards. The veteran receiver has always been a field stretcher for the Buccaneers, but has caught three of 12 targets over 20 yards in 2025.
Evans will see a lot of Panthers corner Jaycee Horn (73.4 grade; 17th) in Week 16. The former first-round pick has been excellent in 2025, allowing just 30 receptions for 447 yards on 53 targets. Horn doesn’t permit many receptions or targets his way, but when he does, he’s made plays on the ball — leading all cornerbacks with five interceptions.
He also surrenders 14.7 yards per reception, though. When he gets beaten, it’s often a big play, and that’s exactly where Evans can feast.
Additional News
- Buccaneers CB Zyon McCollum (hip) was placed on injured reserve Monday.
BuffaloBills (-10) vs. Cleveland Browns
Storyline of the game: Can the Bills overcome the Browns‘ defense?
The Bills’ offense has been on fire. The unit ranks second in EPA per play, while Josh Allen (87.5 grade; 4th) is playing at an MVP level again.
The Bills have produced big comebacks in two consecutive weeks, but Week 16’s matchup against the Browns provides a different test. The Browns’ defense is third in EPA per play allowed despite being 3-11 on the season, and home to the best defensive player in football: edge rusher Myles Garrett (93.0 grade; 1st). Quelling the Browns’ offense shouldn’t be an issue for the Bills, but can they tackle one of the best defenses in the NFL?
Matchup to watch: Bills’ rushing attack vs. Browns’ run defense
On a down-to-down basis, there’s no better team defending the run than the Browns. They’re first in success rate against the run, and have more stops against the run (231) than any other defense in the NFL. By contrast, the Bills’ rushing attack is one of the best in the NFL. Buffalo is incredibly strong up front, as James Cook (80.7 grade; 8th) and Allen can create big yards on the ground.
The Bills are third in rushing success rate and fourth in EPA per rush; they can churn out the yards or hit the home run play. Creating explosive plays on the ground is what can beat the Browns’ run defense, as Cleveland has allowed 12 explosive run plays since Week 11 — 12th-most in the NFL.
Additional News
- Bills CB Christian Benford (toe) is questionable.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys (-2.5)
Storyline of the game: Can the Chargers’ offense get rolling down the stretch?
In recent weeks, we’ve seen a different side to the Chargers. They’re playing ugly football on offense, but winning games thanks to gritty performances from the defense. Through their three-game win streak, the Chargers are 21st in EPA per play on offense and third on defense. It’s nice to see the Chargers prevailing in tough games, but when the playoffs roll around, they’re going to need to be firing on all cylinders.
Justin Herbert (80.8 grade; 8th) has been playing with a broken left hand in recent weeks, and the offensive line has the highest pressure rate allowed in 2025. Those aren’t signs that things will get better immediately, but with rookie running back Omarion Hampton (73.4 grade; 21st) back in the lineup and a lot of talent at the pass-catching positions, there’s hope that things can pick up for the Chargers. They’ll have to.
Matchup to watch: Chargers CB Donte Jackson vs. Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb
Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb (80.4 grade; 14th) has taken a back seat to George Pickens (85.2 grade; 8th) at times in 2025, but Lamb is still the Cowboys’ best receiver. Lamb is averaging 15.5 yards per reception and 2.65 yards per route run, and has 63 receptions for 976 yards and three touchdowns on the season.
Lamb will face Chargers corner Donte Jackson (77.7 grade; 4th) often, and Jackson has been one of the standout cornerbacks in 2025. In 14 games, Jackson has allowed just 19 catches on 40 targets for 222 yards and has seven pass breakups. Jackson’s 83.9 zone PFF coverage grade is fifth among cornerbacks, and the former second-round pick is going to cause Lamb problems for four quarters.
Additional News
- Cowboys T Tyler Guyton (ankle) is questionable.
CincinnatiBengals (-4.5) vs. Miami Dolphins
Storyline of the game: Are Zac Taylor and Mike McDaniel coaching for their jobs?
The Bengals and Dolphins were both eliminated from the playoffs with a whimper in Week 15; the Bengals lost 24-0 to the Ravens, and the Dolphins fell 28-15 to the Steelers. Real disappointment for both teams, who believed they had the talent to make the playoffs, will likely bring around real changes. The Dolphins have already fired former general manager Chris Grier and have hinted at further changes, with Tua Tagovailoa (62.8 grade; 34th) officially being put in bubble wrap until the end of the season.
Even with nothing to play for, Zac Taylor and Mike McDaniel could be coaching for their jobs. The Bengals haven’t made the postseason since the 2022 season, despite having one of the NFL’s top quarterback and top receiver duos. Taylor has naturally caught some flak and could be in danger of losing his job. Much shouldn’t change between now and the end of the season, but if he can prove that the Bengals are still playing hard and fighting for him, there’s a chance Taylor stays.
Matchup to watch: Bengals’ run defense vs. Dolphins’ rushing attack
The Dolphins’ rushing attack was stymied by the Steelers in Week 15, but during their four-game winning streak, the offense was carried by excellent rushing work. From Weeks 10 to 14, the Dolphins were fifth in rushing success rate, and De’Von Achane (88.9 grade; 3rd) was first in rushing yards (520) and second in grade (91.7) while averaging 7.2 yards per attempt. Similarly, center Aaron Brewer’s (81.7 grade; 4th) 83.6 PFF run-blocking grade was third among centers.
Week 16 against the Bengals’ run defense presents the perfect chance for the Dolphins to lock back in to their rushing attack. The Bengals are 31st in success rate against the run and 31st in PFF grade against the run (42.1), and have allowed the second-most explosive run plays in the league (48).
Additional News
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins (concussion) is questionable.
New York Jets vs. New Orleans Saints (-4.5)
Storyline of the game: Can Tyler Shough continue to make his case?
Since becoming the Saints’ starter in Week 8, Tyler Shough (77.4 grade; 11th) has impressed, especially in less-than-satisfactory surroundings. Shough has completed 66.7% of his passes for 1,484 yards and averaged 6.9 yards per attempt, and has quietly made an argument to be the Saints’ starter in 2026 — and maybe even beyond. The Saints have won three of their last five games, and Shough has earned a 77.5 overall PFF grade in that span, the seventh-highest among quarterbacks.
The Saints have the NFL’s easiest remaining schedule, with games against the Jets, Titans and Falcons left to play. If Shough can continue to deliver strong performances — and pick up wins — he could dissuade the Saints from looking at a quarterback come the offseason.
Matchup to watch: Jets T Armand Membou vs. Saints EDGE Chase Young
Amid the malaise of another lost season, the Jets can be content that they’re set at offensive tackle for the next five years after drafting Armand Membou (72.8 grade; 27th) with the seventh pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Membou is in the top 30 for PFF pass- and run-blocking grades, and has allowed just a 6.2% pressure rate in his rookie season.
Membou will have another tough matchup against the Saints edge rusher Chase Young (73.1 grade; 33rd) in Week 15. Young missed the first five games of the season, but has 31 pressures and seven sacks since Week 6 — the 10th-most among edge defenders. Similarly, Young has 13 pressures and two sacks in his last three games and is starting to find his groove again.
Additional News
- Saints WR Devaughn Vele (shoulder) is week-to-week and is believed to have avoided a major injury.
MinnesotaVikings (-3) vs. New York Giants
Storyline of the game: Can J.J. McCarthy and Justin Jefferson find some chemistry?
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (63.7 grade; 33rd) has played his best football over the last two weeks. It’s a small sample size, but McCarthy has compiled an 89.1 overall PFF grade in Weeks 14 and 15 — the fourth-highest among quarterbacks — and has five big-time throws against zero turnover-worthy plays.
However, McCarthy’s connection with superstar Justin Jefferson (75.7 grade; 27th) hasn’t been producing. Jefferson has caught just 25 of 54 of his targets since Week 9, the eighth-lowest percentage among receivers. Jefferson does have three drops in that time, but the chemistry between the two isn’t clicking, and figuring that out is vital for the Vikings’ future success.
Matchup to watch: Vikings’ pass blitz vs. Giants QB Jaxson Dart
The Giants have to find ways to protect their young franchise quarterback. Jaxson Dart (69.1 grade; 27th) was evaluated for a concussion for the fifth time this season against the Commanders in Week 15, and the Vikings’ defense will be after Dart in Week 16.
Through 15 weeks, the Vikings are blitzing on 61.7% of passing downs, and are sixth in EPA per play when blitzing. Dart has played well against the blitz, registering a 70.9 overall PFF grade while completing 62.1% of his passes, but has been sacked 10 times. However, the Vikings will look to light up the young signal-caller and muddy the waters. He’s excellent when creating, but that reckless play style can be exploited.
Additional News
- Vikings S Josh Metellus (shoulder) is set to have surgery and miss the rest of the season.
Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) vs. TennesseeTitans
Storyline of the game: How will the Chiefs fare in the post-Patrick Mahomes world?
The Chiefs and the NFL were rocked by the news that Patrick Mahomes (76.0 grade; 15th) tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the 2025 season, and potentially the start of the 2026 season. The injury coincided with the Chiefs not making the playoffs; now, their last three games of the season are all dead rubbers, but it’s still intriguing to see how the Chiefs’ offense will look without Mahomes.
Big changes are coming in the offseason, with tight end Travis Kelce (74.7 grade; 11th) potentially retiring. With the lack of consistent quality on the offense, the Chiefs need more firepower. But could we see anyone step up?
Receiver Rashee Rice (76.4 grade; 22nd) has been solid since returning from injury and suspension, but second-year wideout Xavier Worthy (69.5 grade; 49th) has underwhelmed. Backup Gardner Minshew will handle the work at quarterback, but who will prove that they can make plays for the offense?
Matchup to watch: Chiefs’ run defense vs. Titans’ rushing attack
The Titans’ offense has been sluggish for most of 2025, but the rushing attack has been surprisingly effective over the last two weeks. In their last two games, the Titans are fifth in rushing success rate and sixth in EPA per play. It coincides with an uptick in performance from the offensive line, and Tony Pollard (65.9 grade; 47th) has 265 rushing yards in that window — the most in the NFL.
The Chiefs are fifth in PFF run-defense grade (75.1) and have allowed the fifth-fewest explosive rushes in 2025. They’re a hard unit to take advantage of on the ground, and linebackers Drue Tranquill (76.1 grade; 14th) and Nick Bolton (72.8 grade; 28th) are big reasons why. Tranquill’s 90.3 run-defense grade is fifth among linebackers.
Additional News
Atlanta Falcons (-2.5) vs. ArizonaCardinals
Storyline of the game: Is the Kyle Pitts breakout on the way?
When the Falcons drafted Kyle Pitts (71.7 grade; 19th) with the fourth overall pick in 2021, it was heralded as a franchise-changing move. Pitts was regarded as a transcendent player, but five seasons into his NFL career, he’s yet to hit those heights.
However, Pitts had one of the best games of his career in the Week 15 win against the Buccaneers, catching 11 of 12 targets for 166 yards and three touchdowns. He notched a 90.4 overall PFF grade — the fifth-highest of his NFL tenure.
Pitts looked powerful on the move, averaging a season-high 7.2 yards after the catch per reception, and seemed like the once-in-a-generation prospect he was deemed to be. Now, though, comes the hard part. Can Pitts replicate that sort of performance, or will he fall back into the league-average player he’s been over the last five seasons?
Matchup to watch: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson vs. Cardinals’ defense
Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (83.8 grade; 5th) has been on a tear in 2025. The former first-round pick leads the NFL in scrimmage yards and has forced the most missed tackles (70) among running backs in the NFL. He’s also fourth in rushing yards (1,174) and has the second-most receiving yards (684) and catches (64) at the position.
Robinson has proven he can win however he wants. He can run between the tackles, bounce to the outside while using his speed and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
The Cardinals’ defense has been awful on their six-game losing streak, allowing over 40 points in four of those games while placing 29th in EPA per play. This is a unit out of juice and in need of answers, and the quality of Robinson could exploit them once again.
Additional News
JacksonvilleJaguars vs. DenverBroncos (-3)
Storyline of the game: Are the Broncos finally “real” contenders?
The Broncos delivered their biggest win of the season in Week 15, knocking off the Packers 34-26 at home. Denver moved to 12-2 and took full control of the AFC in the process. It was the complete performance that this team needed to put forth the idea that the Broncos can be real contenders in 2025.
Bo Nix (75.5 grade; 16th) was impressive in the win, earning an 83.1 overall PFF grade and throwing four touchdown passes in the process. If Nix and the offense can consistently play to that level in high-leverage moments, then Denver will continue to showcase that they won’t just hitch its wagon to one of the best defenses in the NFL.
The Broncos take on the 10-4 Jaguars, another team exceeding expectations in 2025. One more big win will continue to silence the critics.
Matchup to watch: Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain II
Since returning from injury, Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (64.6 grade; 68th) has found his role. Thomas is averaging 20.1 yards per reception, catching nine passes for 181 yards and a touchdown on a 72.7 overall PFF grade.
In that time, Thomas has been targeted more times than any receiver on deep routes (eight), and that’s exactly where he’s at his best: The second-year receiver is a physical presence downfield with elite speed. If Trevor Lawrence (79.6 grade; 9th) can continue to stretch the field, Thomas could finally start to build a connection with his quarterback.
However, that rapport won’t come easy against the Broncos in Week 16. Thomas will face off against arguably the best corner in the business in Pat Surtain II (74.3 grade; 16th). Surtain has allowed just 25 catches on 49 targets for 255 yards, and has nine pass breakups on the season. Surtain’s play needs no introduction; he’s the top cornerback on one of the best defenses in the NFL, and a force multiplier in the secondary.
Additional News
- Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten (finger) is expected to undergo surgery and could miss a couple of weeks.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Detroit Lions (-7)
Storyline of the game: Can the Lions cling to life in the hunt for the playoffs?
The Lions’ Week 15 loss to the Rams hurt. It pushed their season record down to 8-6 and left them with just a 35% chance of making the playoffs. A loss to the Steelers in Week 16 would be catastrophic for the Lions, and while a win doesn’t solve everything — they need things to go their way — it would certainly help.
The offense is still operating at a high level, placing fourth in EPA per play, but the defense is 21st. Though the unit has been unlucky with injuries again, it’s holding the Lions back.
The Steelers remain in the hunt for the AFC North crown and have won two games in a row. They’re not a perfect team, but they could cause real problems for the Lions. This is as desperate as we’ve seen Detroit for some time.
Matchup to watch: Steelers S Jalen Ramsey vs. Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown
Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (90.6 grade; 3rd) has been among the NFL’s elite once again, catching 94 passes (fourth) for 1,140 yards (fifth) and 11 touchdowns (second) while helping elevate the Lions’ offense. When the Lions need to move the chains, Jared Goff (77.3 grade; 12th) goes to St. Brown. The star’s 56 first-down conversions are fourth among receivers, and his 27 receptions on third and fourth down are also the fourth-most.
Hard-hitting, do-it-all safety Jalen Ramsey (66.2 grade; 43rd) takes snaps all over the defense and could likely guard St. Brown out of the slot, but that’s a matchup the Lions receiver can take advantage of. Ramsey has allowed five touchdowns in coverage and 54 receptions for 379 yards. Now and then, Ramsey’s elite play shows up, but the Lions could exploit this duel.
Additional News
- Lions CB Amik Robertson (hand) is questionable.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. HoustonTexans (-14.5)
Storyline of the game: The Texans’ offense continued improvements
The Texans’ defense has done a lot of the team’s heavy lifting in 2025. Houston is first in EPA per play allowed and success rate, holding teams to a league-low 16.3 points per game.
However, in recent weeks, quarterback C.J. Stroud (70.4 grade; 23rd) and the offense have played better, slotting 10th in EPA per play since Stroud returned to action. Like the Broncos, a renewed belief in the Texans’ offense could signal their status as real contenders in the AFC. But that’s contingent on the offensive line playing at least a little closer to league average.
A matchup against the down-and-out Raiders in Week 16 could serve as another tune-up opportunity. Even with a 95% chance of making the playoffs, the Texans can’t underestimate their opponent.
Matchup to watch: Raiders’ offensive line vs. Texans’ defensive line
The Texans are stacked all over the defense, but with edge rushers Will Anderson Jr. (92.0 grade; 2nd) and Danielle Hunter (86.5 grade; 5th) able to pin their ears back and rush either QB Geno Smith (61.2 grade; 36th) or backup QB Kenny Pickett (58.9 grade), they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in Week 16. Anderson and Hunter have combined for 152 pressures and 24 sacks this season, and the Texans’ defense has the third-highest pressure rate (43.4%) and third-highest pass-rush win rate (59.8%).
The Raiders’ offensive line is 28th in PFF pass-blocking grade (58.2 grade) and allows the third-highest pressure rate in the league (39.1%) while surrendering 47 sacks, the most in the NFL. The group is not equipped to handle the Texans’ front.
Additional News
- Texans RB Woody Marks (ankle) could have returned in the Week 15 win over the Cardinals, but is questionable.
New England Patriots vs. Baltimore Ravens (-3)
Storyline of the game: A matchup with massive playoff implications in the AFC
The Patriots have essentially sealed their playoff spot, but are still battling it out for the AFC East crown and the top seed in the AFC. The Ravens are 7-7 and are still in danger of missing the playoffs, with current odds of 39%.
By the time the Week 16 Sunday night game rolls around, the Ravens could be two games back of the Steelers and in desperate need of a win heading into their Week 17 showdown. Meanwhile, a Bills loss means the Patriots would effectively seal the AFC East with time to spare.
Two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, Drake Maye (87.0 grade; 6th) and Lamar Jackson (67.9 grade; 29th), go face-to-face in a showdown with far-reaching implications.
Matchup to watch: Patriots’ run defense vs Ravens RB Derrick Henry
Ravens running back Derrick Henry (70.8 grade; 29th) started the season slowly, but has been close to his best since Week 6, rushing for 808 yards and six touchdowns. Henry has 26 missed tackles forced and 18 rushes for 10 yards or more in that stretch. With the Ravens’ passing game still finding its feet, Henry has been able to churn out the tough yards, even behind a struggling offensive line.
On the other hand, the Patriots are 26th in rushing success rate, 21st in PFF run-defense grade and have allowed over 100 yards of rushing in four consecutive games. That comes after New England only permitted 100 yards twice in the first eight weeks of the season.
Additional News
- Ravens LB Teddye Buchanan (knee) suffered a torn ACL and is out for the season.
San Francisco49ers (-6) vs. Indianapolis Colts
Storyline of the game: How will Philip Rivers and the Colts’ offense look?
Colts quarterback Philip Rivers was the talk of the NFL in Week 15, returning to the field for the first time since 2020 to help Indianapolis — which was dealing with a quarterback crisis. Rivers compiled a 55.5 overall PFF grade against one of the best defenses in the NFL, and almost helped lead the Colts to a late victory. Instead, the team lost 18-16 to the Seahawks and fell to 8-6 on the season, with their playoff odds hanging by a thread.
Rivers steps back under center against the 49ers this week, with the hopes of performing a little better. The 49ers’ defense is 22nd in EPA per play and is dealing with a plethora of injuries. A better performance for Rivers isn’t guaranteed, but he’ll be in at least a better position to succeed.
Matchup to watch: 49ers’ pass rush vs. Colts’ offensive line
Rivers will benefit from one of the best offensive lines in football while starting for the Colts, and the veteran quarterback was pressured just 21.4% of his dropbacks against the Seahawks. Naturally, a lot of that had to do with a low time to throw of 2.41 seconds, but the Colts have still allowed the sixth-lowest pressure rate in the NFL (26.6%) and have the second-best PFF pass-blocking grade (75.4).
On the other side of the line of scrimmage, the 49ers have failed to generate pressure without Nick Bosa (86.3 grade). The 49ers are 29th in both PFF pass-rush grade (61.6) and pressure rate (30.2%) and also place 21st in pass-rush win rate (41.2%).
Additional News
- 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (knee) is doubtful.