NFL Playoff Picture: Giants vs. Jets and the Most Important Games of Week 16

As time continues to tick away on the NFL regular season, the number of meaningful games also shrinks. That said, there are still a couple marquee games on the slate in Week 16, including the three below, which will have a major impact on the playoff race.

New York Giants at New York Jets

The MetLife Stadium rivals are both in playoff contention, but whichever team loses on Saturday will be in serious jeopardy. A Giants loss combined with a Dallas Cowboys win would eliminate the G-Men while a Jets defeat would put them on very shaky ground in the wild-card chase.

Neither team has showed off any semblance of consistency throughout the season, making this game difficult to predict. Since the Jets have been playing a little bit better as of late, they should have a slight edge, especially if Mark Sanchez can limit costly turnovers.

Prediction: Jets 20, Giants 17

Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs

The AFC West is the only division in which every team is still alive with two weeks to go. That makes this game a virtual elimination contest while both teams are also keeping an eye on what the Denver Broncos are doing against the Buffalo Bills.

Kansas City pulled off a shocking upset of the Green Bay Packers on Sunday and should be riding quite a wave of momentum into the home game. That makes it even tougher for the Raiders, who were already going to be dealing with an early start and the ongoing Darren McFadden injury woes.

Prediction: Chiefs 24, Raiders 20

Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys

It hasn't been a fun-filled journey by any means, but the Eagles are still alive. They must continue to play with a carefree attitude. Most people counted them out weeks ago, so it's really all gravy at this point, and sneaking into the playoffs would be a pleasant surprise.

That's easier said than done of course because Sunday's game against the division rival Cowboys will be a pressure-packed situation. Look for Tony Romo to shake some undeserved negative labels by leading Dallas to a big fourth quarter en route to a narrow victory, which would clinch a spot if the Giants lose.

Prediction: Cowboys 31, Eagles 27