Ranking Sunday's 12 games by watchability
Week 15 of the NFL season is set to feature games on four different nights, but it's Sunday's 12-game ticket that will be packed with high-profile matchups, many having playoff implications in both the AFC and NFC.
Here's how neutral fans should devote their time to maximize viewing pleasure.
Nope
12. Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins, 1:00 p.m. ET
It's likely Kirk Cousins' second-last game in Washington, but with no playoff implications and Cardinals running back Adrian Peterson being ruled out for the remainder of the season, there's no reason to be tuning in.
If you're looking for a reason
11. Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m. ET
The development of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is worth following, but with the 49ers out of the playoff race, and the Titans having a firm grasp of at least an AFC wild-card spot, the game has little meaning on its own.
10. Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants, 1:00 p.m. ET
Check in to see how the Eagles look with Nick Foles starting in place of Carson Wentz, but the Giants aren't the type of competition they need to measure up against. Come back if it's headed for an upset.
9. New York Jets at New Orleans Saints, 1:00 p.m. ET
Josh McCown could have made this somewhat interesting, but there's no reason to be watching Bryce Petty. Alvin Kamara will make his return for the Saints, so you can watch him strengthen his grip on the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award with plenty of second-half work in a blowout.
8. Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings, 1:00 p.m. ET
It's win and you're in for the Vikings, and they have a very winnable game against the visiting Bengals. Watch Case Keenum clinch the NFC North title.
7. Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m. ET
The Ravens are hanging around with a record of 7-6, but somehow this still seems like a game the 0-13 Browns can win. Quarterback DeShone Kizer looked promising for much of last week's game with both Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman at his service, up until one of his worst throws of the season came early in overtime.
Watch for the playoff race
6. Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills, 1:00 p.m. ET
A win could help propel the Bills toward the AFC's second wild-card spot, while a Dolphins' victory would even the records of the divisional rivals while keeping both teams alive. It should be a tight one.
5. Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Raiders, 8:30 p.m. ET
Both teams are just barely holding onto their playoff hopes, with a loss all but eliminating either side, while not doing much to boost the chances of the victor. This one would be more fun if both could win.
4. Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 p.m. ET
A win gets the Jaguars into the postseason. Can you believe it? Watch Blake Bortles accomplish what was widely believed to be impossible, without star rookie running back Leonard Fournette.
The cream of the crop
3. Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET
It's about as close as it gets to do-or-die for the Seahawks, while the Rams need to beat the reigning NFC West champions to convince the few remaining doubters of their status as true NFC contenders. A Rams win would even up the season series between division rivals.
2. New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:25 p.m. ET
While most would consider this the top game of the week, both teams are firmly entrenched in playoff spots with their positioning the only remaining unknown. There's also the possibility neither team gives its opponent a full look at its game plan. This one will be much more entertaining in the seemingly inevitable playoff rematch.
1. Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. ET
Fresh off injured reserve, Aaron Rodgers has returned to save the Packers and deliver them to the postseason once again. Or, a Panthers victory all but eliminates Green Bay from contention while keeping the race in the NFC South incredibly tight.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)