ESPN is turning up the heat on the NFL run home, rolling out a jam-packed Week 16 schedule with eight live games as play-off hopes rise and fall across a frantic four-day stretch.

The round opens on Friday December 19, where the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks square off in a clash that could reshape the NFC West. Both sit on 11-3 records, with the Rams clinging to top spot in the NFC as Seattle charge after four straight wins. The San Francisco 49ers are just one game back, sharpening the stakes ahead of kick-off at 12.15pm AEDT on ESPN.

Sunday brings a major double header from 9am AEDT, beginning with the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the Washington Commanders. The Eagles remain in the mix for the NFC crown despite losing ground recently to the Rams, and their meeting with the 4-10 Commanders shapes as a chance to regain some footing.

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At 12.15pm AEDT, attention shifts to a fierce NFC North battle as the Green Bay Packers host longtime rivals the Chicago Bears. The Bears currently hold a one-game advantage atop the division, while the Packers, fresh from a 34-26 loss to Denver, hang onto the final NFC play-off spot. Their recent 28-21 win over Chicago two weeks ago should offer some confidence in a high-pressure rematch.

On Monday December 22, four back-to-back games roll out from 5am AEDT. The Los Angeles Chargers meet the Dallas Cowboys, with the Chargers hitting form after three straight victories and the Cowboys trying to salvage a season sitting at 6-7-1.

Also at 5am AEDT on ESPN2, the Cincinnati Bengals face the Miami Dolphins, who are clinging to slim post-season hopes that will vanish without a win. The Bengals, well out of contention at 4-10, have a chance to play spoiler.

Play continues at 8.25am AEDT as the Pittsburgh Steelers meet the Detroit Lions. The Lions remain one win shy of an NFC playoff berth but were dealt a setback by the Rams last round. The Steelers, meanwhile, are fighting to stay ahead of Baltimore in the AFC North.

Closing out Monday’s marathon is the New England Patriots against the Baltimore Ravens at 12.15pm AEDT. The Patriots saw their winning streak snapped by Buffalo in a tight 35-31 loss, while the Ravens, at 7-7, remain on the edge of the AFC playoff picture.

The round wraps on Tuesday December 23 with a crucial meeting between the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts from 12.15pm AEDT on ESPN. With the NFC West locked in a three-way battle, the 49ers could capitalise as the Rams and Seahawks go head-to-head. The Colts, once promising but now out of the playoff frame, have called veteran quarterback Philip Rivers out of retirement in a bid to revive their season.

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ESPN and ESPN2 are available via Disney+, Foxtel, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV and Sky NZ.

Week 16 NFL on ESPN screens from Friday December 19 to Tuesday December 23 across ESPN and ESPN2.

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