NFL Week Sixteen Preview

TEN @ JAX

JAX -4.5

39

I’m not sure how to pick the Jags when they’re favored. I assume it’ll be a close game, though, so Jacksonville covering 4.5 isn’t particularly likely.

Pick: TEN +4.5. Jaguars win 20-17 (Under)

SD @ SF

SF -1

41

San Francisco has been terrible at home and has spent the entire week responding to rumors about Harbaugh’s future.

Pick: SD +1. Chargers win 23-20 (Over)

PHI @ WAS

PHI -7.5

50

Philly only beat the Skins by a field goal early in the season, but the Washington offense shouldn’t have nearly as much success this time around. Plus the Eagles are in desperate need of a win after losing to the Cowboys on Monday Night.

Pick: PHI -7.5. Eagles win 27-10 (Under)

CLE @ CAR

CAR -3

40.5

Is it possible for both teams to lose? Can I pick a tie? Actually, Carolina is playing for the top spot in the worst division in the history of the NFL, so they may still have some fight left in them. Manziel is quickly proving why he was a first-round pick with sixth-round talent, and I doubt the Browns will do much. They have the ability to run away with this game, but I’d bet most of the locker room gave up when Manziel was named the starter.

Pick: CAR -3. Panthers win 21-13 (Under)

MIN @ MIA

MIA -7

42

Minnesota has been “in’ most of their games this season, and they seem to play with a lot of heart. I doubt the Fins will blow them out.

Pick: MIN +7. Miami wins 21-17 (Under)

GB @ TB

GB -11.5

49

Being an 11 1/2 point underdog at home is embarrassing; I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucs came out and played very well. They’ve historically done well against the Packers (4-1 ATS last 5 at home v. GB), and although Green Bay needs a win, the game may stay closer than two touchdowns.

Pick: TB +11.5. Packers win 27-17 (Under)

DET @ CHI

DET -8.5

44

Benching Jay Cutler is tantamount to waving a white flag. I’d spot Detroit 20 points if I had to.

Pick: DET -8.5. Lions win 38-3 (Under)

ATL @ NO

NO -6

56

The Falcons have the confidence of having already beaten the Saints and the added bonus of – somehow – still being in the NFC South race. It’s tough to sweep an opponent in the NFL, but I don’t trust the Saints to blow Atlanta out of the building.

Pick: ATL +6. Saints win 24-21 (Under)

NE @ NYJ

NE -10

47

New England barely beat the Jets earlier this season. For most teams, that would be cause for concern. For the Pats, however, it probably means a blowout win.

Pick: NE -10. Pats win 34-10 (Under)

KC @ PIT

PIT -3

46.5

I still don’t fully trust Pittsburgh, but Mike Tomlin is a solid coach and Ben Roethlisberger is a solid QB. And the NFL is a coach/QB league. Somehow I think they’ll gut their way into a playoff berth, which will require a win against KC.

Pick: PIT -3. Steelers win 21-17 (Under)

BAL @ HOU

BAL -5

41.5

I’m tempted to pick the Texans, but they’re fresh out of quarterbacks. It’s tough to score points when you don’t have anyone to throw the ball.

Pick: BAL -5. Ravens win 30-13 (Over)

NYG @ STL

STL -6.5

43.5

There is no reasoning behind this pick. I’m just going with my gut.

Pick: NYG +6.5. Rams win 17-13 (Under)

BUF @ OAK

BUF -6.5

39

The Bills are overinflated because of last week’s win over Green Bay. They’re not good enough for me to give them a touchdown on the road.

Pick: OAK +6.5. Bills win 23-20 (Over)

IND @ DAL

DAL -3

55

Now that the pressure is on, Dallas may turn back into the Cowboys of old.

Pick: IND +3. Colts win 33-27 (Over)

SEA @ ARI

SEA -7.5

36.5

Like the Texans, the Cardinals are out of quarterbacks. That said, their defense is still strong.

Pick: ARI +7.5. Seahawks win 10-6 (Under)

DEN @ CIN

DEN -3

47.5

Peyton performs well when the pressure is on. The Broncos still have a shot at the all-important #1 seed in the AFC (although tenuous), so they should be prepared to roll the Bengals.

Pick: DEN -3. Broncos win 35-17 (Over)