As the halfway point of the NFL season approaches, some divisions have a tighter knit than others. The time for teams to step up is truly approaching, otherwise they might as well tank and move on to next season. That being said, each game they face becomes more and more important, especially against division rivals. This week, there are a few teams who may face detrimental outcomes with a loss and will be looking to win more than ever.
Here are five games this week in the NFL that are sure to have fans talking:
- Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
As these two teams are set to face for the first of their two seasonal matchups, the chance for divisional status is on the line. The Green Bay Packers have lost three straight games, and have fallen into a bit of a slump. As they were once ahead of the Vikings in the division this season, they will look to end their losing streak on a powerful note. Green Bay has also already had its bye week, while Minnesota has not, meaning the chance for the Packers to leapfrog the Vikings in the standings is viable.
On the other hand, Minnesota has been hot after losing its first four games of the season. As it continues to climb the division standings, it will look to stop the Packers from halting their progress. Finally, the weather will set the scene perfectly. As things stand, a cold and rainy game is expected between these two sides in Green Bay, making the ruthless aggression all the more exciting.
For Green Bay, a win would keep them in solid contention this season while a loss could see them drop to last in the division. As for the Vikings, they are searching for their first even record of the season, but a loss would put them lower in the division than Green Bay. These two sides have been facing one another for more than 60 years and have some deep rooted history. The next chapter of this saga is sure to be as exciting as the rest.
2. New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins
Over the past decade when these two teams have played, the Patriots have widely been the favorite. Given their success of the 2000’s and 2010’s one would think so, however, Miami has always been one of the biggest challenges for coach Belichick and his red and blue. In this matchup it seems as if the roles have been reversed, with the Dolphins now being the more successful side.
They hold first in the AFC east and have not won a division title since 2008, while the Patriots look to avoid last in the division for the first time since 2000. Miami did face a setback in week seven, as it lost the battle for the current best team in the league, but this should prepare the Dolphins all the more for their week eight matchup. With a win, Miami can continue to prevail over the division in convincing fashion and embarrass the Patriots further.
New England is coming off of one of the most shocking wins of the season, as it defeated a dominant Bills team in week seven. If it is able to use the momentum gained properly, it may have the edge over another dominant team. New England may also be underlooked by its opponents and will be out to earn some respect. Not only that, but the Patriots have lost five of the last six matches with the Dolphins.
A victory could see the Patriots begin a divisional climb for the ages, but a loss will put them right back in the dirt. Although, the favorite never seems to win this matchup so advantage may truly go to New England.
3. New York Jets vs. New York Giants
The battle of New York will commence this coming weekend, as it does every four years. The Jets have won the last two matchups and have not lost to the Giants in 12 years. Although there has only been three matchups since, the Giants will feel it is time to change that.
Giant’s quarterback Daniel Jones may miss his third week straight, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Replacement quarterback Tyrod Taylor showed why he still belongs in the league in his team’s week seven matchup against Washington. They remain last place in the NFC East, but sit in a division that remains tight. If Taylor can put up another solid performance and the team can be on the same page offensively and defensively, it can easily snag a win. Even if Jones is ready to come back, the Giants may be better off riding the wave of momentum Taylor has brought them.
Speaking of momentum, the Jets have won two games straight but are coming off a bye week. They will have to ensure that a week off was not enough to blunder their heat as of late, and beating the Giants will prove so. They too sit in a tight division and a win could bring them up to second place in the division, while a loss may send them to last. All in all, they could remain exactly where they are but it’s important to win regardless. A loss for the Giants would halt any excitement gained by fans from last week, while a loss for the Jets would crush fans’ dreams of seeing their team rise to legitimacy.
4. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders
The last time these two teams faced, it proved to be the most exciting game of that week. The Commanders lost the game in overtime after they forced the extra frame with a touchdown on their final drive. They will be looking for redemption, and a chance to prove they can beat one of the best teams in the league. They are also coming off an embarrassing defeat to the Giants, in which they were only able to score once.
Washington will have to recollect themselves and find its scoring ways once again if it wants any chance of defeating Philadelphia. That being said, Philadelphia no longer has as much pressure as it did last time these teams met. The Eagles were still undefeated then, and of course you never want to lose, but at least the streak they are defending is not as detrimental. They have defeated Washington four of the last five games and made them an easy opponent on paper. However, the Commanders proved a fight last time out, and if they do so again, fans will be in for another exciting matchup.
A win will give Washington the chance to stay relevant in the division, while a loss could see them tank to last. The Eagles do not have as much to lose as their opponents, but would like to continue their authority over the league. Expect a large crowd at FedEx field in Washington to rally behind its team and maybe give them the slight edge needed to pull off an amazing victory.
5. Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Not many expected the Chargers to be near last place in their division midway through the season with the offensive potential they carry. The Bears will prove to be a deciding opponent in how the rest of the season may go for the Chargers. A win will offer them another chance to seek the momentum they have continued to let go of. Meanwhile, a loss could be detrimental and may force the team into serious questioning, whilst proving that something is not clicking
However, the Bears are not going to be defeated that easily, as they are seeking momentum of their own. They currently sit last place in their division, but had an exciting win in week seven. A win for the Bears can finally show they are capable of defeating worthy competitors this season. It will also prove further that their two current wins are not flukes.
Finally, Chicago leads the all time series 7-6 and would love nothing more but to keep that lead intact. Chicago will search for two wins in a row for the first time since 2021 and could end the hopes of Chargers fans in doing so. The Chargers have lost two in a row, then won two, and lost two again. They will be looking to flip the pattern once more and return to their winning ways with home advantage. Buckle up for a fantastic Sunday night game where both teams will be looking to earn some respect.
