NFL: 5 Must-See Matchups In Week 16
By Ryan Ratty
Browns vs. Panthers
In his first start in the NFL, Johnny Manziel had tons of trouble moving the football down the field with consistency. He did have some throws, which were particularly to stud receiver Josh Gordon, but his overall performance was subpar to say the least. With the 30-0 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals last week, the Browns are virtually out of the playoff picture. However, if the Browns win and everyone else in the AFC North loses in Week 16, they will be right back into the thick of things.
On the opposite side of the ball is a team is on a two-game winning streak. Before that streak, the Panthers hadn’t won a game in eight weeks. In those eight weeks, they had their bye and they tied against the Baltimore Ravens, but all of this just goes to show how inconsistent the Panthers have been. Although the Panthers are playing better football, the absence of Cam Newton is simply a killer. Derek Anderson played really well in Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it will be hard to trust him against a much-improved Cleveland defense.
The magnitude of this game is crucial. Although the teams are in different conferences, each is in the hunt for the playoffs. To make it simple, whoever loses this game is done. In Carolina, I expect Manziel to have a better game mainly because of the learning experience that goes along with being a rookie quarterback. Considering the implications of this game, don’t be surprised if this game comes down to a field goal.
Next: Colts vs. Cowboys