Week 16 of the 2023 NFL season kicks off with an interesting NFC clash of Thursday Night Football tonight — two teams scrapping for victories and playoff seeding in the final weeks of the year. Both teams are fighting to get into the playoffs and are doing so in uniquely different circumstances.
Who Plays on Thursday Night Football Tonight?
- Teams: New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
The 7-7 Los Angeles Rams host Thursday Night Football tonight looking like one of the more dangerous teams in the NFL. Despite their .500 record, QB Matthew Stafford and Co. are playing well enough to strike fear into other conference opponents as a possible first-round playoff matchup.
A huge reason for that is Stafford’s play and the tough veteran presence he brings. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur spoke about his QB and just what he means to the team earlier this week.
“In every aspect of his game, physically and mentally,” LaFleur said of Stafford’s toughness. “He’s unfathomable. He’s just … no matter what happens, he can always bounce back from it.
“And he doesn’t always have to bounce back, but inevitably it’s the NFL, and he’s playing the hardest position in all of sports, so there are going to be some not great things or things he wants back,” LaFleur continued. “And he just learns from it within the moment and just keeps swinging.”
It’s a mentality that a tough Rams team is looking to embody right now as they look to secure their playoff fate.
As for the New Orleans Saints, Derek Carr is doing everything he can physically to be available for his team as well. Carr has been banged up quite a bit this season but has fought and clawed his way into striking distance for the NFC South crown.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
Currently, the Saints are tied for first in the tightly contested division race with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Thursday’s matchup against the Rams begins a crucial three-game stretch that includes two division matchups to end the season, with one of them being a road matchup against the Bucs themselves.
In this “got to have it” matchup between two NFC fringe playoff teams, the stakes are high and should be an excellent contest on Thursday Night Football tonight.
What Time Is Thursday Night Football Tonight?
- Date: Dec. 21, 2023
- Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET
TV Channel and Live Stream for TNF
- TV channels: Amazon Prime Video
- Live stream: Amazon Prime Video
Want to stream NFL games at home or on the go this season? Check out Vidgo or FuboTV, two streaming platforms providing live sports across multiple devices. Additionally, make sure to check out our comprehensive guide on how to livestream NFL games.
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