Week 16 picks
Browns offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens has done a nice job sticking with the run, allowing Baker Mayfield a little more time and keeping the defense fresher. Go with the home team.
The Bucs can play teams tough but just can’t close the deal against good opponents. The incentivized Cowboys are primed for a bounce-back game and play better at home.
The Lions have been a real disappointment this season, and their offense will struggle to hang in here. The Vikings are desperate and talented, so they should roll on the road.
The Patriots have blown chances to clinch the division in consecutive weeks. This one could be closer than expected for a while because of the Bills defense. The Patriots will pull away late.
Amazingly, the Packers are 0-7 on the road, and now they’re without Aaron Jones. Aaron Rodgers has a groin injury. The Jets are nothing special, but they can be tougher at home.
The Eagles are coming off an emotional road win over the Rams, but can they keep it going? The Texans are good but don’t scream, “We’re a Super Bowl team!” They find ways to get the “W,” though.
With Taylor Heinicke playing in place of Cam Newton, who is out with a shoulder injury, the Panthers don’t stand much of a chance to keep pace with the Falcons on the scoreboard.
The Colts are quietly putting together an impressive season. It isn’t just Andrew Luck, either. Their front seven is really solid. The Giants offensive line could be in for a long day.
The Dolphins are looking to bounce back from a bad loss in Minnesota. They typically have a sound defense and solid secondary. The Jaguars are still fumbling around for an identity.
The Rams need this one bad, not just to hang on to the inside track on the No. 2 seed, but for their confidence after back-to-back losses. Look for big rushing numbers. The Cardinals are just waiting for the season to end.
Kyle Shanahan doesn’t get a lot of credit for what he’s doing with the 49ers, and he deserves a ton. To win with that no-name, broken-down group is amazing. That said, this isn’t the week for them.
Like the Rams, the Saints haven’t been the same team offensively for some time. But they play better in the Superdome, and that might be enough against the up-and-down Steelers.
The Seahawks were embarrassed by the 49ers last week, but they still have their eyes on the playoffs. The Chiefs have fallen off their early pace, even though they have a phenom at quarterback.
These teams don’t have much to play for, but this could be the Raiders’ last game in Oakland. That has to mean something, right? Maybe it’s enough incentive to lift the Silver and Black to a rare victory.
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