Quick Picks; Week Sixteen
Every week throughout the season, we make our Quick Picks (in bold) on the upcoming slate of games, focusing on the key points for each match-up. As Christmas approaches, more divisions have been decided. The Vikings are kings in the NFC North, while New England secured its ninth consecutive AFC East title. Here are Week Sixteen’s picks;
Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are rolling towards a wild card spot on the back of a nasty defense that has dominated sub-par quarterbacks. Behind a poor offensive line, Jacoby Brissett has struggled for the Colts, holding the ball too long. Baltimore’s offense has been resurgent in recent weeks and will prove too much for Indianapolis.
Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers
After dominating in Cincinnati, the Vikings clinched the NFC North and look like a complete contender. With the Packers being eliminated from post-season contention thanks to Atlanta’s win on Monday night, Aaron Rodgers is back on IR and Brett Hundley returns, straight into the teeth of Mike Zimmer’s defense. With Minnesota in play for a first round bye, expect the Vikings to dominate.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton and the Panthers were rolling against Green Bay and now face a struggling Buccaneers squad. If Carolina can stay consistent, they are a well-balanced team that should roll over Tampa Bay. With veteran linebacker Thomas Davis suspended, expect Shaq Thompson to step up as Carolina turns Jameis Winston back into a turnover machine.
Cleveland Browns @ Chicago Bears
This is Cleveland’s best chance to avoid a winless season. Mitchell Trubisky struggled against Detroit’s defense last week, so the Browns could give him trouble. But Chicago’s defense has been stingy in recent weeks, and a low-scoring affair looks likely. Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen should bounce back from a quiet game, salting away Cleveland’s last winnable game.
Detroit Lions @ Cincinnati Bengals
As the Bengals look to the future with Marvin Lewis set to leave, Detroit’s focus is firmly on the present. The Lions are clinging to the fringes of the NFC wild card race thanks to Matthew Stafford and the aerial attack. Against a banged up Bengals team, Stafford and Co. should shine once again.
Miami Dolphins @ Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have rediscovered their big play offense in recent weeks and have a firm hold on the AFC West. They now draw the inconsistent Dolphins, and this could be a duel between young running backs in Kenyan Drake and Kareem Hunt. With a better quarterback and supporting cast, expect Hunt to carry Kansas City once again.
Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
After a wild win in Pittsburgh, the Patriots have the edge in the race for home-field advantage. But they still need to win out, and have a weak closing schedule. The over-matched Bills won’t have enough to contend with a focused New England squad.
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints
The NFC South is on the line this week. The Saints swept Carolina, but lost to the Falcons two weeks ago. A win gives them control of the division, especially after Atlanta struggled to put away the inconsistent Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. New Orleans’ dynamic backfield duo should keep Matt Ryan and his offense off the field long enough for the Saints to grind out the win.
Los Angeles Chargers @ New York Jets
Coming off a crushing loss to the Chiefs, Los Angeles cannot afford to lose focus with a wild card spot still in play. With Joey Bosa set to dominate the inexperienced Bryce Petty, the Chargers should immediately get back on track.
Los Angeles Rams @ Tennessee Titans
The Titans have lost their last two games against non-contending teams, and must now face a Rams squad coming off a huge road win against the Seahawks. A win gives LA their first NFC West title since 2003, and against an inconsistent Tennessee team, expect Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, and Aaron Donald to deliver.
Denver Broncos @ Washington Redskins
The Broncos have fixed a few issues and have won their last two games. After Washington struggled to put away an injury-depleted Cardinals team last week, Denver’s defense should show up big, making things easier for Brock Osweiler.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ San Francisco 49ers
Jimmy G’s first three games as a 49er’s starter have been fantastic, but now the Jaguars roll into town after a dominant performance over Houston. While Garoppolo’s play has made his mediocre supporting cast look good, San Francisco will struggle to keep it up against the league’s best defense. Garoppolo’s first loss as a starter is looming,
New York Giants @ Arizona Cardinals
Somehow, Eli Manning and a no-name supporting cast put up 504 total yards against the Eagles last week. The Cardinals fell to the injury-ridden Redskins, but could keep things close. Even so, New York’s slight edge in quarterback play could be the difference. Expect a huge game from rookie tight end Evan Engram.
Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys
After allowing 152 rushing yards to Todd Gurley in a blowout loss to the Rams, Seattle is a shadow of its former self. And now they face a returning Ezekiel Elliott who is coming off a six week rest suspension. With both teams clinging to faint playoff hopes, Elliott’s return should give Dallas a huge win.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Houston Texans (Christmas Day)
After a heart-breaking loss to New England as well as losing Antonio Brown for the rest of the regular season, Pittsburgh cannot afford to fall into a slump. Luckily they face a listless Texans team led by T.J. Yates. Although DeAndre Hopkins will likely still go off against a suspect Steelers secondary, expect Pittsburgh to get back on track and keep pace with the Patriots.
Oakland Raiders @ Philadelphia Eagles (Christmas Day)
Despite a bad game from the defense, Nick Foles and Philly’s special teams aces came up big against the Giants. The defense should bounce back against the struggling Raiders. Foles draws another dismal defense, and should keep Philly in the hunt for the number one seed.
