The 10 best NFL player matchups to watch in Week 16

• Terry McLaurin and Quinyon Mitchell renew their rivalry: The Commanders receiver will hope to finally thrive against the Eagles‘ stud cornerback.

• Get PFF+ for 30% off: Use promo code HOLIDAY30 to unlock the PFF Player Prop Tool, Premium Stats, fantasy dashboards, the PFF Mock Draft Simulator, industry-leading fantasy rankings and much more — everything you need to win your season.

Estimated Reading Time:12 minutes

What made NFL Week 15 so exciting is true of every fresh slate of action: Watching individual player matchups. The ability to analyze some of the NFL’s brightest and most burgeoning stars clash with one another nearly every snap shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Indeed, while one play can alter an entire game flow, the victor of Week 14’s top individual wars swayed the arrow of victory in their team’s direction. Consider Pat Surtain II limiting Christian Watson to one catch for five yards on three targets.

Below are 10 head-to-head collisions to circle as you determine which games to prioritize watching and/or following this weekend.

Cleveland Browns EDGE Myles Garrett vs. BuffaloBills T Dion Dawkins

The Bills look to keep things tight in the AFC East against the lowly Browns, but there’s potentially even more at stake. Indeed, Myles Garrett looks to reset the NFL’s single-season sack record — though one of the game’s best tackles may be in his way.

Garrett is cruising to his second career Defensive Player of the Year honor. He leads all defensive players in overall PFF grade (91.6), pass-rush grade (92.3) and Wins Above Replacement (0.84). Consider that his WAR is 0.39 higher than the next-best defender (Will Anderson Jr.).

Dawkins has established himself as one of the premier tackles in the NFL. Over the last two years, he ranks fifth among qualified tackles in PFF pass-blocking grade (83.1) and ninth in pressure rate allowed (4.8%). However, Dawkins has permitted five sacks this year, including two against the Texans.

Garrett has recorded at least half a sack in 11 of 14 games this year, and at least two pressures in all but one contest. The odds are in his favor to at least tie history on Sunday, but Dawkins will present an extremely difficult task. In fact, the Bills may be comfortable enough leaving him 1-on-1, which is a strategy few utilize with Garrett.

JacksonvilleJaguars EDGE Josh Hines-Allen vs. DenverBroncos T Garett Bolles

Few would have anticipated it even six weeks ago, but Jaguars-Broncos is a huge game in the AFC playoff picture. In particular, this showdown presents one of the league’s better edge defenders against one of the top tackles.

Jacksonville’s defense is first in EPA per play since Week 10, and Hines-Allen is as big of a reason as any. The superstar’s 36 pressures in that span tie for the most in the league, and his 18.8% pass-rush win rate is 10th among qualifiers. Likewise, Hines-Allen’s season-long 81.3 PFF pass-rushing grade is ninth for qualified edge rushers.

Bolles will likely be an All-Pro based on how tremendous he’s been in 2025. His 90.4 PFF pass-blocking grade is the highest for any offensive lineman, and he’s the only tackle to play 900 or more snaps and not permit a sack.

Bolles has passed virtually every test with flying colors this year, including in Week 15. The Broncos stud held Micah Parsons to zero pressures across 11 pass-rushing matchups. Now, Bolles will get another chance to prove himself against one of the sport’s most underrated defenders.

Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson vs. ChicagoBears CB Jaylon Johnson

When the Bears and Packers faced off only two weeks ago, it was an entertaining game that revealed key information about both sides. Both of those leitmotifs should hold true with the action pivoting to Soldier Field — with Watson vs. Johnson still worthwhile.

Watson has been on fire since he came back from a torn ACL in Week 8. In that stretch, his 87.3 PFF receiving grade is fifth, and his 2.38 yards per route run are eighth.

Johnson has only played 110 total snaps in 2025 while battling a groin injury, and the results haven’t been quite as lockdown as expected. The Pro Bowler has surrendered 130 yards across 63 coverage snaps, culminating in a 57.3 PFF coverage grade.

Two weeks ago, Watson only tangled with Johnson four times — but he was charted as open on two of those targets, catching two receptions for 25 yards. Both teams need each player to stay healthy in order to operate the full-fledged version of their respective offense and defense — and if they do, they could spar for much of Saturday night.

Dallas Cowboys WR George Pickens vs. Los Angeles Chargers CB Donte Jackson

The surging Chargers look to stay hot against the Cowboys, who are clawing to stay alive in the playoff picture. Watching Dallas’ tremendous offense against Los Angeles’ stout defense will be compelling, especially on the outside.

Pickens has flourished in his first year with the Cowboys. The ex-Steeler ranks fifth in PFF receiving grade (86.8), eighth in yards per route run (2.32) and third in first downs gained (64) among qualified receivers. However, Pickens has cooled off a bit of late, producing only a 60.9 receiving grade with 1.34 yards per route run since Week 13.

Jackson was an unassuming free-agent addition by Los Angeles, but he’s been one of the better cornerbacks in football this season. The veteran slots second in PFF coverage grade (79.4) among qualified cornerbacks, also leading the pack in passer rating when targeted (33.5) while relenting only 222 yards.

Jackson has been one of the league’s best cover players in either man or zone, placing third among qualified corners in coverage grade in either category. Meanwhile, Pickens holds top-seven receiving grades against either look. Whether or not Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter sticks to his dominant zone gameplan, the two ex-teammates should battle on Sunday afternoon.

Jacksonville Jaguars WR Jakobi Meyers vs. Denver Broncos CB Pat Surtain II

Given the magnitude of the game, it probably shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that Jaguars-Broncos is already featured twice on this list. This time around, it involves a surging receiver against the league’s top corner.

Since arriving in Jacksonville, Meyers has helped transform the Jaguars’ offense — and broader team outlook. In his six games with Trevor Lawrence, Meyers has recorded an 80.8 PFF receiving grade with 2.16 yards per route run and a 107.4 passer rating when targeted. In fact, the Jaguars recognized Meyers’ value so much that they signed him to a reported three-year, $60 million extension on Thursday.

Surtain boasts a 72.8 PFF coverage grade this year, a number that most corners would strive for — yet which feels pedestrian for him. Still, he slots seventh among qualified cornerbacks in snaps per target (17.0), sixth in passer rating allowed (64.6) and tied for sixth in forced incompletion rate (20%).

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is coming off his best game of 2025, holding Watson to just one catch for five yards while snagging an interception. If Meyers can gain separation and make an impact, then the Jaguars can pull off the upset — but if Surtain maintains his play, the Broncos may be on the fast track to the AFC’s No. 1 seed.

Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin vs. Philadelphia Eagles CB Quinyon Mitchell

The Eagles look to continue rounding into form against the eliminated Commanders on Saturday afternoon. Although Jayden Daniels won’t play in this divisional matchup, there should still be entertainment value in two good players going toe-to-toe.

It’s been a tumultuous, injury-filled season for McLaurin, but he’s finally looked like himself of late. Since his return in Week 13, the Pro Bowler has secured an 81.7 PFF receiving grade with 2.64 yards per route run and 11 first downs gained.

Just like his rookie campaign, Mitchell has been lockdown in 2025. Among qualified cornerbacks, the Eagles stud is eighth in PFF coverage grade (75.3), first in completion rate allowed (42.7%) and fourth in WAR (0.37).

McLaurin and Mitchell parried in three games last season, and the corner came out on top. Across 74 matchups, McLaurin was open on just 23.5%, catching only three passes for 49 yards. Mitchell hopes to sustain that effort to help slow down Washington’s offense with Marcus Mariota under center.

PittsburghSteelers EDGE Alex Highsmith vs. Detroit Lions T Taylor Decker

The Steelers look to maintain momentum as they head to Detroit, where the Lions are fighting to stay alive in the playoff race. Although both teams are somewhat depleted, two standouts should still match up.

Pittsburgh seems likely to be without both T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig, leaving the onus on Highsmith to carry the freight. This year, he’s procured an 82.1 overall PFF grade, his third straight season of at least an 82.0 mark. Moreover, Highsmith is one of five qualified edge defenders with a 75.0-plus PFF pass-rush and run-defense grade.

Decker has also fought through some injuries, but he’s been solid when on the field. His 71.0 PFF pass-blocking grade is 32nd among qualified tackles, but his 97.0 pass-blocking efficiency score is tied for 20th. On top of that, Decker sits in the 57th percentile in pass-blocking grade on true pass sets.

Highsmith almost exclusively aligns in front of the left tackle, although it remains to be seen if Pittsburgh will use him similarly down two edge rushers. Either way, it’s highly probable that he and Decker should cross paths — pitting two very good players against each other.

Baltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers vs. New England Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez

Patriots-Ravens is a paramount game on Sunday night football: New England seeks to rebound after a difficult loss, while Baltimore looks to stay alive in the AFC North race. When Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have the ball, pay close attention to Flowers vs. Gonzalez.

As usual, Flowers has played like an above-average wideout this season. His 78.1 PFF receiving grade is tied for 13th among qualifiers, and his 2.33 yards per route run are seventh. The third-year receiver is on track to secure at least a 75.0 receiving grade in each of his first three campaigns.

Meanwhile, Gonzalez has been strong this season, even if a bit less so than in 2023 and 2024. His 71.9 PFF coverage grade at outside cornerback is in the 87th percentile, and his 66.3 passer rating when targeted is the eighth-lowest.

Flowers holds a higher receiving grade against zone (82.2) than man (75.0), while Gonzalez also grades out better in zone coverage. Something will have to give in this showdown, even with the Patriots playing the eighth-most man coverage in 2025.

Miami Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle vs. CincinnatiBengals CB D.J. Turner II

Both the Bengals and Dolphins have been eliminated from playoff contention, with Quinn Ewers’ debut as a starter the largest story looming over the game. Still, a top receiver and corner should face off on Sunday.

Despite Tua Tagovailoa’s underwhelming campaign, Waddle hasn’t been negatively affected. His 85.9 PFF receiving grade is sixth among receivers with 76 or more targets, and his 2.19 yards per route run are 10th. In short, there’s a reason Miami was unwilling to deal him at the trade deadline.

Turner’s 2025 season parallels Waddle’s in many ways. Although Cincinnati’s defense has been one of the worst in football, Turner has individually shined. His 76.3 PFF coverage grade is fifth among qualifiers, and his 0.38 WAR trails only Cooper DeJean at the position.

Waddle has notched a 70.0-plus receiving grade in 10 games this year, while Turner has been more volatile — sitting above a 69.5 coverage mark in six contests. Even if Ewers struggles in his first legitimate pro action, Waddle’s advanced numbers will tell the full story against Turner.

TennesseeTitans Dl Jeffery Simmons vs. Kansas City Chiefs G Trey Smith

It’s almost incomprehensible that a Chiefs game in Week 16 would be effectively meaningless, but that’s essentially the case this Sunday. Kansas City’s offense takes the field with Gardner Minshew in for the injured Patrick Mahomes, and Smith will try to make sure Simmons doesn’t wreck the game.

Simmons has been one of few silver linings on a porous Titans team. In fact, he’s the only Tennessee player with an 80.0-plus overall grade. Likewise, Simmons’ 90.8 PFF pass-rushing grade and 19.4% pass-rush win rate both easily top defensive linemen.

On the other side, Smith has played well in the wake of his $94 million contract extension this offseason. In fact, his 73.7 PFF pass-blocking grade is not only the highest of his career, but also the ninth-best among qualified guards.

In a game where not much is at stake, at least Simmons vs. Smith can provide some fireworks.