We're only in Week 2 of the 2019 NFL season, but we're already seeing some critical matchups that could factor into the playoff race. The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, for example, will battle for the temporary lead in the NFC North. The New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams will face off in a rematch of the NFC title game and a possible playoff preview.
Several other teams face the possibility of dropping to 0-2, as the Carolina Panthers did on Thursday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Every contest is important in a 16-game season, of course, but an 0-2 start seriously hinders a team's playoff chances.