5 most interesting NFL matchups to watch Week 16

The NFL regular season is almost over and teams are desperate to secure their playoff position. Here are 5 crucial matchups to watch in Week 16. 

The NFL Playoffs are right around the corner and teams still looking to secure a postseason berth have run out of room to make any mistakes. That makes Week 16 a pivotal point in the schedule for any franchise that still wants to improve their playoff seeding.

That applies both to teams still looking to make the playoffs as well as teams that want to improve their seeding. Homefield advantage might not be quite as important this season with reduced crowds, but securing a first-round bye is still a major target for several elite teams.

Simply put, there’s a lot on the line for teams this week. Keep a very close eye on the following five matchups.

5. Ron Rivera vs. his former team

Rivera didn’t really exit Carolina in an acrimonious fashion, but he’ll still be desperate to beat the Panthers this week. That motivation doesn’t come from a desire to settle old scores. Instead, it’s because Washington has a legitimate chance to win the NFC East.

They aren’t going to be a threat to make any noise in the postseason even if they qualify, but winning the division would be an accomplishment for Rivera and his team to be proud of. Defeating the Panthers won’t clinch a playoff berth for Washington, but it would put them in a great spot heading into the final weekend of the regular season.

Fortunately for Rivera, his old team doesn’t have anything to play for. Teddy Bridgewater and the Carolina offense can move the ball effectively, but the defense struggles mightily to stop anyone. Even so, this could turn out to be a frisky test for Washington. They may be the NFC East leaders, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are a mediocre team. Washington needs only ask the Rams about the dangers of playing against a team with nothing to lose late in the regular season.