We’ve made it to Week 16 of the NFL Season. There are only three weeks left in the regular season, so every game matters for the playoffs. With games on Thursday, two on Saturday, and a Monday night game, that leaves just 12 games on the Sunday slate. Below are the five I’m watching most closely.

Early Games:

Los Angeles Chargers (10-4) at Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
About: The Cowboys are barely, technically, alive in the playoff race. The Chargers, meanwhile, are worried about seeding and trying to make a move to capture the AFC West. Both teams will want a win. Can the Cowboys’ defense right the ship? If it can, they could play the spoiler at home. If not, the Chargers could move to 11 wins and all but lock up a trip to the post-season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) at Carolina Panthers (7-7)
About: There are two divisions that are locked up in a dog fight. This is one of them, as both the Buccaneers and Panthers are tied record wise. This is the first of two meetings in the final three weeks. These two games will likely determine the division. Can the Panthers get the home win, or will the Buccaneers bounce back. This should be huge.

Late Games:

Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) at Denver Broncos (12-2)
About: This is a battle of division leaders. The Broncos have won 11 straight and sit on a two-game lead with three to play. They also have a one-game lead for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The Jaguars are currently holding on to first just ahead of the Texans. They also sit as the No. 3 seed with a chance to maybe move up. Both teams will be hungry for a win in this playoff matchup.

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6) at Detroit Lions (8-6)
About: These teams have the same record but sit in totally different places. The Steelers are in front in the AFC North and control their fate. If they keep winning, they’ll host a playoff game. The Lions are also 8-6, but they’re on the outside looking in. They’re third in the NFC North and have to keep winning and get help to make the playoffs. This should have a playoff atmosphere.

Sunday Night Game:

New England Patriots (11-3) at Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
About: The Patriots hold a lead in the AFC East, but it’s getting thinner. They’ve also fallen behind Denver for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The Ravens, meanwhile, are chasing the Steelers. They have another head-to-head matchup, but for it to mean anything the Ravens need to win. This will be another playoff atmosphere on Sunday night.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.