Five Things to Watch this Weekend (Week 16)
December 19, 2025
Here are our top 5 story lines to follow heading into the weekend.
1. Packers vs. Bears
This should be a fun one for a lot of reasons. Caleb Williams played decent enough to win the first matchup two weeks ago but made a critical mistake late when he threw an interception. He’ll now get a rematch but will have to do so without Rome Odunze and Luther Burden. The plus side is that Green Bay will be without Superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons which should allow for a little more time back there to find whatever targets he’ll have remaining. The Packers have ruled out Christian Watson and Josh Jacobs will be a true game time decision as he’s been dealing with knee issues for a few weeks now. Due to their tie earlier in the year, they’ll need another win on Saturday night to take control of the NFC North.
2. Bucs vs. Panthers
Baker Mayfield and the Bucs had their hearts broken last week when they lost to Atlanta. Losing meant they gave up control to Carolina, who also went and lost to the Saints. Both teams are 7-7 and will play twice over the last three weeks of the season. Tampa Bay has been on a bit of a cold streak during a stretch of games against playoff contending teams where they lost a majority of those matchups. Despite it all, the division will come down to Bucs/Panthers. Bryce Young has his Panthers contending when not many would have selected them as the next best team in the South. He’s been often considered a draft bust, been benched a few times, but now has a chance to show his doubters wrong with a couple big weeks ahead.
3. Steelers vs. Lions
Aaron Rodgers will make a visit to Ford Field where he’s earned many victories throughout his lengthy career. Few regular season wins would be as big as this one as his Steelers are in contention for not just a playoff bid but an AFC North crown as well. They’re coming off a dominant win over Miami at home and are looking to keep it rolling at a location where…let’s just say Aaron was very comfortable. The Lions season is on life support and they’ll need to win out in order to get their own chance at playoff action. If they can win their next two, it’ll set up a showdown in Chicago with a rematch against Ben Johnson. Dan Campbell will need to get much more creating than Gibbs up the middle if they’re going to have a chance.
4. Patriots vs. Ravens
Baltimore is coming off a big win against the bottom feeder Bengals but we could have easily seen Cincy play spoiler. Something has been off with the Ravens offense this season, and we know Lamar has been a bit hobbled for weeks now, but if they’re going to make a push then the time is now. It unfortunately has to come against a Patriots team coming off a terrible loss where they blew a huge lead to division rival Buffalo and snapping their long winning streak. You just know Mike Vrabel will have his team prepared and ready to go for the Ravens. Baltimore won’t have it easy but are very much still in control, especially with a week 18 trip to Pittsburgh on the table.
5. 49ers vs. Colts
In the words of Philip Rivers, GAH-LEE!! Rivers had his Colts in position to steal a game vs Seattle after not playing for multiple years, They nearly completed the upset after holding Seattle out of the endzone all game but lost on a last second field goal. Rivers will now try to save the Colts season once again when San Francisco comes to town on Monday Night Football. What’s funny is that Rivers hasn’t played in so long, that he never actually played in front of a home crowd when he was a Colt due to the covid restrictions that season. Indy does look a bit rejuvenated but it’ll be tough to take on a 49er team that’s always ready to fight, regardless of what their injury situation looks like. San Fran has a ton to play for themselves in one of the most competitive divisions in football. The high level of play has put added pressure on the 49ers to keep up.
Keith, Author
Keith runs youth flag football leagues by day, and by night he hosts the podcast and writes articles with the confidence of a man who’s been rushing quarterbacks since dial-up. A longtime flag football DE and lifelong Falcons fan, he’s no stranger to heartbreak and enjoys watching the bears get slaughtered each week. Equal parts coach, critic, and chaos, Keith calls it like he sees it… even if it hurts.
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