As the 2015 National Football League (NFL) regular season is about to close, teams will look to improve their records and clinch playoff berths when Week 16 opens this Thursday.
Two teams sitting at the bottom of the American Football Conference (AFC) West are set to open Week 16 as the Oakland Raiders host the San Diego Chargers at the O.co Coliseum this Thursday, Dec. 24, at 8:25 p.m. EST.
The remaining games of the Raiders will now be extra special, especially their last home game following the announcement of safety Charles Woodson of his retirement last Monday.
Woodson was drafted by Oakland fourth overall in 1998. He played his first eight seasons with the team before joining the Green Bay Packers for seven seasons and then returning to the Raiders in 2013.
The 39-year-old safety is a one-time Super Bowl (XLV) champion with the Packers and is a nine-time Pro Bowler, among numerous feats in the NFL.
After Woodson's last home game against the Chargers this Thursday, Week 16 will continue with a crucial matchup in the National Football Conference (NFC) East on Saturday, Dec. 26, at 8:25 p.m. EST when the Washington Redskins visit the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Redskins lead the division with a 7–7 record, while the Eagles are at 6–8 for the second spot and are tied with the New York Giants.
A win is important for both teams as it is a tight race in the division on which team will be clinching the top spot with the playoffs approaching.
Following Thursday and Saturday's games, 26 teams will compete on Sunday for their Week 16 matchups.
This include the champions New England Patriots who suffered injuries to three players last Sunday and will take on the thriving New York Jets.
The unbeaten Carolina Panthers will also be in action on Sunday aiming to improve to 15–0 when they face their struggling division rivals the Atlanta Falcons.
Two teams that also clinched playoff berths, the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks, are also playing Sunday.
The Packers will battle the Arizona Cardinals, while the Seahawks will take on the St. Louis Rams.
Ending Week 16 is the Monday (Dec. 28) showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals, who also booked their ticket to the playoffs and are the leaders of the AFC North, taking on the top team in the AFC West, the Denver Broncos.
To view the full schedule for Week 16 of the 2015 NFL regular season, click here.
