It’s been a wild 15 weeks in the NFL regular season. There’s still more football to keep you hungry for some high-level sports action. Week 16 features plenty of juicy matchups for your viewing (and betting!) pleasure, highlighted by a handful of big games such as Packers vs. Cardinals and Patriots vs. Jets.
Plus, you can also catch the still unbeaten Carolina Panthers as they look to keep their 14-0 slate against NFC South rivals, the Atlanta Falcons. Don’t miss out on a jam-packed week of football action. You can also keep up with the biggest games with our complete previews for the Patriots vs. Jets and Panthers vs. Falcons.
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NFL Week 16 Picks
Thursday, December 24
San Diego Chargers (-5) vs. Oakland Raiders (8:25 PM ET)
The San Diego Chargers snapped a two-game losing streak with a 30-14 domination over Miami on Sunday afternoon. Philip Rivers passed for 311 yards and three touchdowns to spur the Chargers to a win. Rivers could be up for another monster game against the Oakland Raiders, whose defense he unravelled for 336 yards with three touchdowns, albeit with two interceptions, in a 37-29 loss.
[sc:NFL240banner ]The Raiders have looked pretty solid though, after limiting Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers to 204 yards and a touchdown in a 30-20 loss Sunday. Quarterback Derek Carr will need to keep his strong arm going. He’s been inconsistent recently with a 135-yard performance sandwiched between 270-plus-yard games in his last three.
Writer’s prediction: Rivers leads the Chargers (-5) to a road victory.
Saturday, December 26
Washington Redskins (+3) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (8:25 PM ET)
You like that?! Kirk Cousins certainly does after dominating the Buffalo Bills 35-25 with five touchdowns (four passing and one rushing). Cousins has a chance to take Washington one step closer to winning NFC East with a crucial game against Philadelphia. The Eagles have struggled to contain opposing quarterbacks recently, allowing an average of 284.7 yards in their last three outings. Most recently, Philadelphia was shellacked by Arizona 40-17 on Sunday night.
Cousins has been terrible on the road though. He has six touchdowns and nine interceptions, going 1-5 in road games this season. The Eagles’ defense could have a big day if they could pick off Cousins. Philadelphia ranks sixth in the league with 15 interceptions.
Writer’s prediction: The Eagles (-3) recover by beating Washington.
Sunday, December 27
New England Patriots (-3.5) vs. New York Jets (1:00 PM ET)
The Patriots showed that they’re over their two-game hump with their second straight win, a 33-16 blowout of Tennessee. Tom Brady continues to be one of the best if not the best quarterback in the league with a 267-yard-and-two-touchdown performance. Next up is a Jets defense, which he already torched for 355 yards and two touchdowns in Week 7. But the Jets’ defense is finally healthy. They’ve held opponents to just 14.7 points per game in their last three.
Writer’s prediction: The Jets (+3.5) get up for this crucial home game, scoring the upset against New England.
Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans (1:00 PM ET)
The Texans are on their way up with a big 16-10 victory over Indianapolis. Meanwhile, Tennessee continues their downward spiral, losing their 11th game of the season against the Patriots. It’s going tobe a game for backup quarterbacks.
The Texans may be without Brian Hoyer (concussion) and T.J. Yates (knee), thus leaving Brandon Weeden as their option. Tennessee’s rookie Marcus Mariota suffered a knee injury against the Patriots, which could have him making way for Zach Mettenberger. Weeden and Mettenberger had serviceable outings Sunday. Weeden completed 11 of 18 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, while Mettenberger threw for 242 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions
Writer’s prediction: The Texans win their second straight game to inch closer to clinching AFC South.
Cleveland Browns (+13) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (1:00 PM ET)
Johnny Manziel showed some brilliance against the Seattle Seahawks, leading a touchdown drive to open Sunday afternoon’s matchup. But that’s as far as he got, finishing the game with 161 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a 30-13 loss. Manziel will have an even tougher matchup against Kansas City’s defense in Week 16.
The Cheifs’ defense has been ridiculous, most recently scoring two touchdowns on a Tyvon Branch 73-yard return and a Marcus Peters 90-yard pick-six in a 34-14 blowout of Baltimore.
Writer’s prediction: The Chiefs win their ninth straight against Cleveland, but not without some hiccups in a closely-contested game. The Browns cover +13.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Miami Dolphins (1:00 PM ET)
Matt Hasselbeck started for the fifth straight time in place of an injured Andrew Luck on Sunday. He couldn’t do much, throwing for just 147 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the Colts’ 16-10 loss to the Texans. But he could shine against the Dolphins, whose passing defense (264.7 yards per game) rank 27th in the league. The Dolphins are back to their losing ways after suffering their fourth loss in the past five weeks against the lowly Chargers on Sunday.
Writer’s prediction: The Colts win big against the struggling Dolphins.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions (1:00 PM ET)
The Detroit Lions took a big win with a 35-27 beatdown of the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. But allowing 24 points in the second half could’ve derailed them if not for their fast start. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford set a franchise record for completion percentage (minimum of 20 attempts), connecting on 88 percent of his passes against the Saints.
Stafford could be up for another strong outing against a San Francisco passing defense, which allows opposing quarterbacks to connect on 68.4 percent of their passes (31st in the league). But the 49ers happen to get up big-time in their games against Detroit. The 49ers have won each of their last nine games against Detroit, going 6-1-2 ATS.
Writer’s prediction: Detroit gets another big win against a reeling 49ers side.
Dallas Cowboys (+6) vs. Buffalo Bills (1:00 PM ET)
There’s nothing to play for anymore for the Buffalo Bills. Standing with a 6-8 record after a 35-25 loss to Washington on Sunday, the Bills are assured of missing the playoffs for the 16th year in a row. Things won’t get any easier when they face the defensively sound Dallas Cowboys. Dallas lost 19-16 to the New York Jets on Saturday to fall out of the playoff picture. Matt Cassel was benched for his poor play, symbolizing the Cowboys’ year-long struggle as Kellen Moore took over.
The Cowboys still have one of the best defenses in the league, allowing just 337.5 yards per game (10th in the league). They may be able to stop a Buffalo offense lacking playmakers outside of Sammy Watkins and LeSean McCoy.
Writer’s prediction: Dallas (+6) beats Buffalo on the road.
Chicago Bears (+3) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1:00 PM ET)
After their 17-13 upset of Green Bay in Week 12, the Bears have now lost three straight games. Most recently, the Bears were outclassed on the road in a 38-17 loss at Minnesota in Week 15. The Bears can rebound nicely if they can exploit Tampa Bay’s suspect passing defense. The Bucs lost 31-23 to the St. Louis Rams, allowing 221 yards to the league’s worst passing offense (176.5 yards per game).
Jay Cutler could be primed for another upset victory after throwing for 546 yards with four touchdowns and just one interception in the last two weeks combined. The Bucs could fire back with their own talented quarterback, rookie Jameis Winston. This year’s first overall draft pick threw for 363 yards and two touchdowns in 1 Week 15 loss to St. Louis.
Writer’s prediction: Cutler dazzles as the Bears (+3) upset Tampa Bay.
Carolina Panthers (-7) vs. Atlanta Falcons (1:00 PM ET)
A 38-35 thriller against the New York Giants may do the Carolina Panthers some good. It would keep them on their toes now that they’re just two games away from finishing this season unbeaten. But things figure to get interesting in a matchup against NFC South rivals, the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday.
Cam Newton was spectacular against the Giants, throwing for 340 yards and five touchdowns. He also had plenty of success against Atlanta in Week 14, finishing with 265 yards and three touchdowns. Newton will need to keep sharp in Atlanta, where the Panthers have gone 2-5 SU/ATS in their last seven trips.
Writer’s prediction: There’s no stopping Newton and the Panthers. But the Falcons (+7) keep it interesting as they cover in a close loss.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-10.5) vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00 PM ET)
Ben Roethlisberger authored quite a comeback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Down 27-13 entering the third quarter, Roethlisberger threw for three touchdowns in the second half to beat the Denver Broncos 34-27. Antonio Brown was stellar in the game, catching 16 passes for 189 yards and two scores. Roethlisberger faces a wide open Baltimore passing defense next, which has allowed the sixth-most touchdowns through the air this season (28).
Writer’s prediction: The Steelers (-10.5) move one step closer to the playoffs with a blowout of Baltimore.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints (4:05 PM ET)
The Jaguars are now eliminated from the AFC South race after a 23-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. But they can take out their frustrations in a matchup against one of the league’s most vulnerable defenses, the New Orleans Saints. Quarterback Blake Bortles has passed for 297 or more yards in three of his last four games. He may have quite a day against a New Orleans passing defense, allowing a whopping 278.8 yards per game.
New Orleans could counter with Drew Brees, who became just the fourth quarterback in NFL history with 60,000-plus career passing yards. Brees threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-27 loss to Detroit on Monday night. He could exploit a vulnerable Jacksonville passing defense, allowing 260.5 yards per game.
Writer’s prediction: The Jaguars outshoot New Orleans in a back-and-forth game.
St. Louis Rams (+13.5) vs. Seattle Seahawks (4:25 PM ET)
Ever since they lost their season-opener to the Rams, Seattle has had this game circled on their calendars. The Seahawks are in prime position to avenge their 34-31 Week 1 loss to the Rams. They’ve won five straight with Russell Wilson playing like an elite quarterback. Wilson has thrown for 19 touchdowns and no interceptions in the Seahawks’ five-game win streak.
The Rams strung together two straight wins against Detroit and Tampa Bay on the strength of rookie running back Todd Gurley. He’s run for 188 yards and three touchdowns in the last two games. But he’s in for a rough outing against the Seahawks. Seattle has one of the best rushing defenses in the league, limiting opponents to 83.9 yards per game (third).
Writer’s prediction: Seattle wins this matchup, but the Rams (+13.5) make it a little too close for comfort.
Green Bay Packers (+4.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals (4:25 PM ET)
Green Bay’s offense had a very messy day against the Oakland Raiders. Aaron Rodgers passed for just 204 yards with a touchdown and an interception. James Starks lost a fumble, while Eddie Lacy ran for just 2.1 yards per carry. But defense gave the Packers the 30-20 victory. Cornerback Damarious Randall returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown. Micah Hyde also had an interception, which led to a touchdown.
Arizona rumbled to their eighth straight win with a blowout of Philadelphia 40-17 Sunday night. The victory won the Cardinals NFC West as well as a playoff berth. Rookie running back David Johnson was spectacular, rushing for 187 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries. He’s set to test a sketchy Green Bay rushing defense, allowing 116.6 yards per game.
Writer’s prediction: The Packers (+4.5) rain on the Cardinals’ parade in a road victory.
New York Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings (8:30 PM ET)
Odell Beckham Jr. took some time to get going, but he eventually hauled in a 14-yard strike from Eli Manning—his fourth passing score of the night– to tie the Carolina Panthers 35-35 late in the fourth quarter. But the Panthers ultimately kicked a field goal as time expired to beat the Giants 38-35.
The Giants now face another tough opponent when they head to Minnesota for Sunday Night Football. The Vikings rode quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in their 38-17 home victory over Chicago. Bridgewater completed 17 of 20 passes for 231 yards and four touchdowns, adding one rushing score. He could be due for another big game facing the Giants’ league-worst passing defense (308.4 yards per game).
Writer’s prediction: The Vikings get a crucial win as they attempt to lockdown a Wild Card berth.
Monday, December 28
Cincinnati Bengals (+3.5) vs. Denver Broncos (8:30 PM ET)
Rookie quarterback A.J. McCarron delivered in his first career start, mostly handing the ball to Jeremy Hill while sticking to high-percentage pass plays to lead Cincinnati to its fifth straight playoff appearance. But the Bengals still couldn’t muster much on offense, finishing with just 242 total yards.
Things won’t get easier for McCarron and the Bengals against Denver in Week 16’s edition of Monday Night Football. The Broncos have the league’s best defense, ranking first in stopping both rushing (79.9 yards allowed per game) and passing (200 yards allowed per game) attacks.
Denver will get much going with quarterback Brock Osweiler on the other side of the ball. Osweiler was mostly solid in Week 15, throwing for three touchdowns while running for another in the first half of a 34-27 loss to Pittsburgh. But Peyton Manning could also make a return after missing the past five weeks to a torn plantar fascia. Either quarterback would still be good enough against a beatable Cincinnati defense (244.1 passing yards allowed per game).
Writer’s prediction: The Broncos (-3.5) get a much needed win to extend their AFC West lead.
Get ready for an explosive last two weeks in the 2015 NFL Regular Season. Create a betting account now and start wagering away for big winnings.
