The NFL's decision to flex the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots to primetime confirms what the AFC standings already show: this Week 16 clash features two legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
The Patriots, enter M&T Bank Stadium with an 11-3 record and are in position to seize the AFC East title and potentially wrestle away the No. 1 seed and the crucial first-round bye. For New England, the final quarter of the season dictates their path to home-field advantage throughout the postseason, making this battle against a desperate AFC North team an absolute priority.
Meanwhile, the Ravens (7-7) are facing a higher level of urgency. Fresh off a gut-wrenching division loss to the Steelers, the Ravens are battling in the AFC North race. While they still control their path to the division crown, there is little margin for error ahead of a Week 18 contest in Pittsburgh.
This Week 16 clash re-ignites one of the AFC's most competitive non-division rivalries, a series defined by unforgettable playoff battles in the late 2000s and early 2010s that often determined the conference representative in the Super Bowl. Though the cast of characters has changed — with New England now led by Mike Vrabel, Drake Maye and a revitalized defense — the organizational identities remain: two hard-nosed, physical teams built on defensive dominance and playoff-tested leadership. This game promises the intensity expected when these two franchises meet in December.
For the Patriots, a win keeps them squarely in the race for the top overall seed, potentially setting up a decisive Week 17 or 18 showdown for the No. 1 position. For the Ravens, this is arguably their final lifeline to remain legitimate contenders for the AFC North title and a playoff spot. A loss would force them to win out against a challenging slate, including the division-deciding Week 18 rematch with Pittsburgh.
Here's how to watch the primetime contest.
What channel is Patriots vs. Ravens on today?
- TV Channel: NBC
- Live stream: Peacock
"Sunday Night Football" in Week 16 is on NBC. Mike Tirico will serve as the play-by-play analyst with Cris Collinsworth as the color commentator. Melissa Stark will be on the sidelines.
Those looking to stream can watch the action on Peacock. Peacock’s sports programming features live coverage of NFL Sunday Night Football, the NBA, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Big Ten football and basketball, Notre Dame football, Big East and Big 12 basketball, Premier League soccer, golf, and more.
Patriots vs. Ravens start time
- Date: Sunday, December 21
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET | 7:20 p.m. CT
The Patriots and Ravens will kick off at 8:20 p.m., capping off a Sunday with some major matchups.
The game will be at MT&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Patriots vs. Ravens radio coverage
- Radio station: SiriusXM channels 225 (Ravens), 226 (Patriots)
The game can be listened to nationally on SiriusXM. Channel 225 will provide the Ravens broadcast while 226 will be the Patriots.
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Patriots remaining schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time (ET) |
| 17 | Dec. 28 | at Jets | 1:00 p.m. |
| 18 | Jan. 4 | vs. Dolphins | TBD |
Ravens remaining schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time (ET) |
| 17 | Dec. 27 | at Packers | 8:00 p.m. |
| 18 | Jan. 4 | at Steelers | TBD |