Games to Watch in 2016, Week 9-12

It’s difficult to tell what games will be important for the third quarter of the season three months before the season begins. Injuries, trades, surprise teams and teams that falter unexpectedly always change things up. However, it’s fun to anticipate possible matchups. And looking ahead to the time of year teams are prepping for a playoff push, there are quite a few intriguing matchups.

WEEK 9:

(photo credit: univision.com)

Indianapolis @ Green Bay: Aaron Rodgers against Andrew Luck was looking like a matchup of the top two QB’s in the NFL last season. While Luck had an off season, he should return to being healthy this season, and a Rodgers Luck matchup is one that could be a Super Bowl preview.

(photo credit: bleacherreport.com)

Denver @ Oakland: The defending super bowl champions verse the up and coming division rivals. Expect Oakland to be vying for first place by the time this game rolls around, and could be the turning point for both teams. Additionally, their recent twitter fight should make the on field competition that much more heated.

WEEK 10:

(photo credit: nydailynews.com)

Seattle @ New England: Week 10 is right about the time of year that Seattle turns it on every season, and New England will be a team on a mission trying to make up for Tom Brady being suspended the first four games. A Super Bowl XLIX rematch, this matchup will revolve around Brady’s surgical approach to picking apart defenses against one of the best secondaries in football.

WEEK 11:

(photo credit: bleacherreport.com)

Arizona @ Minnesota: A matchup of the two best defenses in football, with two completely different styles of disrupting an opponent. Minnesota likes to play a hard-nose in-your-face style of defense, clogging up the middle and forcing teams to the air. Arizona has a ferocious secondary, with speed off the edge that makes passing the ball a nightmare.

WEEK 12:

(photo credit: betodd.com)

Washington @ Dallas: Thanksgiving day football games are great, but only get better when Dallas is facing the reigning division champions. The Cowboys did not lose when Tony Romo started and finished a game healthy last season, and should be competing for the division title in what was one of the weakest divisions in football. A home matchup on Thanksgiving against the Redskins could end up the difference maker down the stretch.