Ranking the top five NFL matchups in the season's second half

The 2025 NFL season is officially into its stretch run, and a pair of matchups this week will certainly have a playoff feel to them. 

In the AFC, the Denver Broncos will put their seven-game winning streak to the test against a Kansas City Chiefs team desperately needing a victory to keep its division hopes alive. Over in the NFC, the 7-2 Seattle Seahawks and 7-2 Los Angeles Rams will square off in Los Angeles in a matchup between arguably the two most complete teams in the NFL. Add in the 6-3 Lions taking on the 7-2 Eagles on Sunday night, and we are looking at a potentially epic week of football.

As good as these games look, they are just a fraction of a loaded NFL slate in the second half. Here are the top five matchups to look forward to over the season’s final two months.  

5. Week 16: Patriots vs Ravens

A few weeks ago, it looked like this Week 16 game might not mean much, but three straight wins by the Ravens, coupled with a few ugly Steelers losses, have put the AFC North firmly in play. A matchup against Drake Maye will be the Ravens’ toughest remaining test, while the Patriots will have plenty to play for with the division and potentially the AFC’s top seed up for grabs. 

4. Week 15: Seahawks vs Colts

In terms of just the quality of football, this game might be at the top of the list. On one side, you have the Colts offense, which leads the NFL in both points and yards and has running back Jonathan Taylor barreling towards a potential record-setting season. On the other side, you have the Seahawks defense, which ranks third in points and second in DVOA. Throw in potentially massive playoff implications for both teams, and you have all the makings of an instant classic.

3. Week 17: Chiefs vs Broncos

While a Broncos victory in Week 11 would effectively end the Chiefs' division hopes, a victory by the favored visitors would set the stage for a dramatic three-team race over the season’s final two months. In such a scenario, the Week 17 rematch in Kansas City would immediately become the main event, and the fact that this game will take place on Christmas Night will only add to the drama. 

2. Week 15: Bills vs Patriots

While the Bills were getting thoroughly embarrassed by the 2-7 Dolphins last week, the Patriots were in the process of securing a signature win against the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. This combination moved the Patriots 1.5 games up in the AFC East and put the Bills' chances of a sixth straight division crown in peril. Pending what happens over the next month, this Week 15 matchup could potentially be the nail and the coffin for the Bills, giving the Patriots the chance to seal the division in front of their home fans. 

1. Week 11: Seahawks vs Rams

These two teams will face off again in Week 16, but there is a strong argument that this is the more important matchup. Both the Seahawks and Rams are riding four-game winning streaks and have a case as the best team in football, setting up what should be a phenomenal contest between a pair of juggernauts clicking on all cylinders. The winner of this game will remain in play for the NFC’s top seed and home-field advantage, while the loser may find itself battling for a wild-card spot.