The 10 best NFL player matchups to watch in Week 17

• Khalil Shakir vs. Cooper DeJean: One of the NFL's better slot receivers faces an elite corner inside.

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Estimated Reading Time:11 minutes

What made NFL Week 16 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 Alex Highsmith’s five pressures generated against Taylor Decker in the Steelers’ win over the Lions.

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

Carolina Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan vs. SeattleSeahawks CB Devon Witherspoon

While much of the Week 16 slate doesn’t carry as much zeal with only four playoff spots left, Seahawks-Panthers is a tantalizing matchup between division leaders. In particular, one of the league’s ascending young receivers should take on one of the game’s premier cornerbacks.

McMillan has helped morph Carolina’s offense under Bryce Young in his first year, developing into a bonafide WR1 who may win Offensive Rookie of the Year. The first-round pick sports a 79.4 PFF receiving grade, which not only leads qualified rookies — but also sits 14th among all wideouts. McMillan’s 51 first downs gained also tie for sixth, representing his big-play impact for the Panthers.

The NFL sports several tremendous cornerbacks, but Witherspoon might be the most underrated elite one. Making his third straight Pro Bowl, Witherspoon leads all qualifiers at the position in overall PFF grade (90.6) and PFF coverage grade (87.7) while also sitting second with an 86.6 PFF run-defense mark.

McMillan rose to the occasion against the Buccaneers in Week 16, producing an 84.2 receiving grade to move Carolina closer to an elusive division title. The newcomer will have his hands full against one of the league’s best in this show-stopping duel.

HoustonTexans WR Nico Collins vs. Los Angeles Chargers CB Donte Jackson

Although the NFL’s Christmas slate is far more underwhelming than its Thanksgiving portion, the league’s Saturday doubleheader helps make up for it. The Texans and Chargers square off in a battle between two likely playoff teams that boast tremendous defenses. In particular, Collins vs. Jackson is a high-level affair on the outside.

Over the last three seasons, there haven’t been many better receivers than Collins. Since 2023, his 93.1 PFF receiving grade is the second-highest among receivers with 100 or more targets, and his 15.8 yards per reception is seventh. Collins has been especially amazing of late, generating an 88.9 receiving mark since Week 9.

Jackson has been one of the stingier cornerbacks in the NFL this year after a poor season in Pittsburgh in 2024. His 77.8 PFF coverage grade is the sixth-best among qualified corners, and his 43.0 passer rating when targeted is the lowest.

While this war will be outstanding overall, it should particularly shine on deep passes. Collins’ 96.2 receiving grade on throws of 10 or more yards is the third-best for a receiver in 2025, while Jackson’s 77.0 coverage mark is the third-best for corners to defend 40 or more deep passes.

Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs. Carolina Panthers CB Mike Jackson

While McMillan vs. Witherspoon will be a top-tier grudge match in Seahawks-Panthers, it isn’t the only great receiver-corner matchup to watch in that contest.

Smith-Njigba has firmly put himself in the thick of the Offensive Player of the Year race because of his elite 2025 season. His 93.0 overall PFF grade is the fourth-highest of any offensive player, and his 93.2 PFF receiving grade trails only Puka Nacua. Moreover, Smith-Njigba has earned at least a 68.4 overall grade in all but one game this year.

Jackson may not be a flashy name, but he’s quietly enjoying a terrific season for the Panthers. His 78.5 PFF coverage grade is the third-best for qualified corners, and his 17% forced incompletion rate ties for 11th.

Jackson shined against elite competition in Mike Evans, holding the star to one catch for one yard on four targets. He’ll have another very difficult assignment in the all-world Smith-Njigba.

Miami Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Jamel Dean

The Buccaneers look to get back on top in the NFC South when they take on the Dolphins in an intra-state matchup. While most of the spotlight will presumably be on Tampa Bay, there’s still a fascinating matchup when the Dolphins have the ball.

Despite a topsy-turvy season under center for Miami, Waddle has been a staple on this list all year. His 86.0 PFF receiving grade is tied for seventh among qualified receivers, and his 2.24 yards per route run are 11th.

Dean started the year as one of the league’s better cover corners but has faltered a bit of late. Although he sports a 78.1 PFF coverage grade on the season — still sixth among qualified corners — that mark is only 62.5 since Week 10. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that his sliding play has overlapped with the Buccaneers’ skid.

Last week, Waddle was up to the task against another stud in D.J. Turner II, getting open on five of eight matchups while netting 37 receiving yards on two catches. His assignment won’t get much easier this week in the form of Dean.

BuffaloBills WR Khalil Shakir vs. Philadelphia Eagles CB Cooper DeJean

Although both teams seem more imperfect than in seasons past, Eagles-Bills is still a titanic clash — especially this late in the season. Buffalo’s offense against Philadelphia’s defense is a must-see attraction, especially in the slot.

As is contemporary, Shakir has been one of the better slot receivers in the league in 2025. His 72.3 PFF receiving grade is 13th among receivers with at least 40 slot targets, and his 1.48 yards per route run are 12th. Further, Shakir is in the 94th percentile in separation rate.

DeJean is not only the best slot corner in football, but becoming one of the better all-around defenders in the league. Among players with 1,500 or more snaps since 2024, DeJean’s 87.5 overall PFF grade is the 13th-best. In the slot in particular, DeJean owns an 87.4 PFF coverage grade in his two pro seasons, which is in the 95th percentile.

This matchup offers extra intrigue after the catch. Shakir’s 7.9 yards after the catch per reception lead all qualified wideouts, while DeJean has missed 11.2% of his tackle attempts.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans vs. Miami Dolphins CB Rasul Douglas

Waddle has made waves for the Dolphins this season, but Evans’ play is a reminder why he’s one of the better receivers of his era. On Sunday, he’ll spar with an underratedly great corner.

Evans’ remarkable 1,000-yard streak will (likely) come to an end in 2025 due to a myriad of injuries, but he’s been fairly efficient when on the field. The six-time Pro Bowl selection has generated a 72.2 PFF receiving grade with 1.82 yards per route run over parts of six games for Tampa Bay this year.

Douglas has been an absolute steal for the Dolphins after joining the team weeks before the start of the season. His 78.5 overall PFF grade is the third-highest among qualified cornerbacks, and his 66.3 passer rating when targeted is the lowest within that contingent.

When the ball is in the air between these two standouts, it might be a toss-up for who comes down with it. Evans has caught 10 of his 21 contested targets this season, while Douglas has allowed 47.1% of those tries to be hauled in.

Los Angeles Rams EDGE Jared Verse vs. Atlanta Falcons T Jake Matthews

The Rams look to get back on track — and return to the NFC West driver’s seat — on Monday night against the Falcons, who have suddenly won two straight games. Atlanta’s offense against Los Angeles’ defense could provide entertainment, specifically Verse vs. Matthews.

Verse has been nearly as good as his first year in his second pro campaign. His 84.4 overall PFF grade is ninth among qualified edge defenders, and his 81.6 PFF pass-rush grade is 10th. On top of that, Verse has been on fire in his last two games with 12 total pressures generated.

The Falcons possess an offensive line that ranks 10th in PFF pass-blocking grade, and Matthews is an anchor along the left side. His 85.1 pass-blocking grade is the fourth-best among tackles, although his 6.0% pressure rate allowed is tied for the 13th-highest at the position.

The Falcons will need Matthews to hold up against Verse with Byron Young looming against Elijah Wilkinson on the other side. If that doesn’t happen, it could be a long night for Kirk Cousins.

Las Vegas Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby vs. New York Giants T Jermaine Eluemunor

Giants-Raiders is a game for true sickos, with both teams clashing for the rights to the No. 1 overall pick. However, players like Crosby and Eluemunor will assuredly still be going full-throttle on the field.

Crosby’s resurgence has been a positive development in an overarchingly negative season for Las Vegas. His 79.7 overall PFF grade is 13th among edge defenders, and he’s one of six players at the position with a 77.0-plus mark in pass-rushing and run defense.

Eluemunor has been an effective player for several seasons in a row, including in 2025. His 74.2 PFF pass-blocking grade is 20th among qualified tackles, and his 3.7% pressure rate surrendered is the fourth-best. However, four of his 19 pressures given up have been converted into sacks.

Although fans of both franchises may be secretly rooting for defeat, these two veterans and former teammates have plenty of personal pride at stake.

Los Angeles Chargers WR Ladd McConkey vs. Houston Texans DB Jalen Pitre

It wouldn’t be fair to discuss Texans-Chargers without also mentioning the vaunted Houston defense. On a unit full of stars, Pitre is one of the more underrated contributors — and he’ll have a tough guard in McConkey.

The second-year wideout hasn’t been as prolific in 2025, earning only a 70.1 PFF receiving grade with 1.45 yards per route run. At the same time, McConkey still places in the 61st percentile in separation rate vs. single coverage — indicative of his route-running prowess.

Pitre was a popular Pro Bowls nub, and for valid reason. His 87.4 overall PFF grade is the second-highest among safeties, and his 89.7 PFF coverage grade leads the pack. Operating mostly as a slot corner, Pitre’s 55.0 passer rating when targeted in the slot is the second-best, and his 9.8 snaps per reception are the highest.

Will McConkey look like his rookie self and help the Chargers stay in the AFC West race, or will Pitre continue to lock things down inside? This individual duel could certainly sway this outcome.

Indianapolis Colts WR Alec Pierce vs. JacksonvilleJaguars CB Jarrian Jones

When the Colts and Jaguars met three weeks ago, the contest included major ripple effects in the AFC South. Now, their second showdown is far less intriguing — with Jacksonville rolling and Indianapolis sliding. Still, Pierce vs. Jones is a good clash on the perimeter.

Pierce has elevated his game in 2025, becoming a complete receiver — and one of the better in the league at that. His 82.3 PFF receiving grade is 12th among qualifiers, and his 2.09 yards per route run are 13th. Pierce quieted concerns about his chemistry with Philip Rivers on Monday night, hauling in four passes for 86 yards and two scores — good for a 79.0 receiving mark.

The Jaguars’ defense has been one of the best in the league in the last few weeks, featuring tremendous players at all three levels. Jones may not be the most recognized, but his play has done the talking. Since essentially becoming a full-time player in Week 9, Jones’ 83.5 PFF coverage grade is the fifth-best at corner, permitting just 190 yards in that span.

Pierce thrives on the deep ball, sporting a career 17.4-yard average depth of target. Meanwhile, Jones has yielded just two completions of 20 yards downfield or longer all season. Pierce will hope to do better than in Week 14, when Jones didn’t let him get open across their three matchups.