Games to Watch for in 2016: Weeks 5-8

Week 5:

(photo credit: maguzz.henisile.com)

Green Bay Packers vs New York Giants:

Two of the league’s top quarterbacks will face off in an intriguing matchup on Sunday Night Football. Eli Manning and Aaron Rodgers will clash in a meeting of Super Bowl winning quarterbacks. These teams met in 2011, when New York pulled off a shocking upset on its way to a Super Bowl victory. How will a revamped Giants defense fare against a fully healthy Packers offense? We should get a treat in this one, as this could be a potential playoff game.

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Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans:

This matchup features two up and coming teams as they’ll face off in the brand new U.S. Bank Stadium. Both teams feature young and promising quarterbacks, Houston having Brock Osweiler, and Minnesota having Teddy Bridgewater. We’ll also be seeing two talented wide receivers, as DeAndre Hopkins lines up for the Texans, and rookie Laquon Treadwell lines up for Minnesota. This is a very interesting game that features some of the football’s premier young talent.

Week 6:

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Green Bay Packers vs Dallas Cowboys

Remember in 2014, that controversial play where we officially didn’t know what a catch was? Well, you’re right, it was the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers. Now the two teams meet again, this time both teams are at full strength, unlike last season. Quarterbacks Tony Romo and Aaron Rodgers will face off, while new Cowboy Ezekiel Elliott will be in the Dallas backfield, opposing Eddie Lacy. Finally, we have two Pro-Bowl receivers, as Dez Bryant lines up for Dallas, and Jordy Nelson will be back and healthy for the Packers. Storylines reign supreme in this game.

Oakland Raiders vs Kansas City Chiefs:

Two AFC West foes meet in a matchup that has all the qualities of an interesting game. Oakland is staring up at Kansas City in the AFC West, as they look to move ahead of them in the division this year. Both defenses will make this game low scoring, and that means it will be very competitive. This game could make a big impact on standings within the division.

Week 7:

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Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots:

This game features two no doubt Hall of Famers, and both are at quarterback. Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger will meet yet again in a rematch of last year’s season opener. These two have put on great games before, so nothing but the best should be expected. Also, we’ll be seeing two of the game’s best pass catchers, Rob Gronkowski and Antonio Brown. This game will be an instant classic, so be sure to tune in.

(photo credit: nflrush.com)

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Oakland Raiders:

This matchup features two of the best up and coming young teams in the league. We get to see quarterbacks Blake Bortles and Derek Carr go head to head for the first time. Young star wide receivers Allen Robinson and Amari Cooper will also go up against each other. Finally, two young and extremely talented defenses will be on display in this one.

Week 8:

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Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals:

This is a rematch of the NFC Championship last year, and hopefully we will get a different result. Last year’s game was a blowout, but we should expect a closer game this time. Carson Palmer and Cam Newton are the quarterbacks in this matchup. Judging off both of their performances during the regular season last year, this should make for a great matchup.