The NFL season is nearing its end, and the playoff picture is getting clearer. Week 16 features some crucial matchups that could determine the fate of several teams. Here are our expert picks and predictions for every game on the schedule.
Thursday Night Football: Jaguars vs. Jets
The Jaguars and the Jets are both fighting for their playoff lives, as they are currently behind the Colts and the Chargers in the AFC wild-card race. The Jaguars have won three of their last four games, thanks to the stellar play of rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The Jets have lost two in a row, but they have been competitive in most of their games. This should be a close and exciting game, but we give the edge to the Jaguars, who have more offensive firepower and a better defense.
Prediction: Jaguars 27, Jets 24
Saturday Games
Giants at Vikings
The Giants pulled off a huge upset last week, beating the Washington Football Team on the road to keep their NFC East hopes alive. The Vikings also won a thriller, coming back from a 17-point deficit to beat the Bears in overtime. The Giants have a tough task ahead of them, as they face a Vikings team that has one of the best offenses in the league, led by Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, and Justin Jefferson. The Giants will need another strong performance from Daniel Jones and their defense to have a chance, but we think the Vikings will be too much to handle.
Prediction: Vikings 31, Giants 20
Bengals at Patriots
The Bengals are one of the surprise teams of the season, as they have a 9-5 record and are tied with the Ravens for the AFC North lead. The Patriots are also in the playoff hunt, as they are 8-6 and hold the second wild-card spot in the AFC. The Bengals have a dynamic offense, with Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, and Ja’Marr Chase leading the way. The Patriots have a balanced attack, with Mac Jones, Damien Harris, and Hunter Henry. Both teams have solid defenses, but the Patriots have the edge in coaching and experience. We expect a close and competitive game, but we trust the Patriots more in crunch time.
Prediction: Patriots 26, Bengals 23
Bills at Bears
The Bills are one of the best teams in the NFL, as they have a 12-2 record and have clinched the AFC East title. The Bears are one of the worst teams in the NFL, as they have a 4-10 record and have lost seven of their last eight games. The Bills have a potent offense, with Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and Cole Beasley. The Bears have a struggling offense, with Andy Dalton, David Montgomery, and Allen Robinson. The Bills have a stingy defense, with Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde, and Jordan Poyer. The Bears have a mediocre defense, with Khalil Mack, Roquan Smith, and Eddie Jackson. This is a mismatch in every aspect, and we expect the Bills to dominate.
Prediction: Bills 38, Bears 13
Lions at Panthers
The Lions are one of the most improved teams in the NFL, as they have won four of their last five games, including a stunning upset over the Cardinals last week. The Panthers are one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL, as they have lost five of their last six games, including a blowout loss to the Bills last week. The Lions have a resilient offense, with Jared Goff, D’Andre Swift, and T.J. Hockenson. The Panthers have a dysfunctional offense, with Cam Newton, Christian McCaffrey, and D.J. Moore. The Lions have a scrappy defense, with Trey Flowers, Alex Anzalone, and Amani Oruwariye. The Panthers have a talented defense, with Brian Burns, Shaq Thompson, and Stephon Gilmore. This is a tricky game to predict, as the Lions have been playing with more heart and energy, while the Panthers have been playing with more frustration and inconsistency. We think the Lions will pull off another upset, as they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Prediction: Lions 24, Panthers 21
Chiefs at Seahawks
The Chiefs are the hottest team in the NFL, as they have won nine in a row, including a convincing win over the Chargers last week. The Seahawks are the coldest team in the NFL, as they have lost six of their last seven games, including a humiliating loss to the Rams last week. The Chiefs have a explosive offense, with Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce. The Seahawks have a stagnant offense, with Russell Wilson, Chris Carson, and DK Metcalf. The Chiefs have a surging defense, with Chris Jones, Tyrann Mathieu, and L’Jarius Sneed. The Seahawks have a declining defense, with Bobby Wagner, Jamal Adams, and Quandre Diggs. This is a no-brainer, as the Chiefs are playing for the top seed in the AFC, while the Seahawks are playing for pride. We expect the Chiefs to cruise to another win.
Prediction: Chiefs 34, Seahawks 17
Saints at Browns
The Saints and the Browns are both in the thick of the playoff race, as they are 8-6 and hold the first wild-card spot in their respective conferences. The Saints have won two in a row, including a huge win over the Eagles on Thursday night. The Browns have also won two in a row, including a dramatic win over the Raiders on Monday night. The Saints have a balanced offense, with Taysom Hill, Alvin Kamara, and Marquez Callaway. The Browns have a run-heavy offense, with Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, and Jarvis Landry. The Saints have a dominant defense, with Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Marshon Lattimore. The Browns have a formidable defense, with Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and John Johnson. This should be a hard-fought and physical game, but we give the slight edge to the Saints, who have more experience and a better coach.
Prediction: Saints 23, Browns 20
Ravens at Falcons
The Ravens and the Falcons are both on the verge of missing the playoffs, as they are 7-7 and need to win out to have a chance. The Ravens have lost four of their last five games, including a heartbreaking loss to the Packers last week. The Falcons have also lost four of their last five games, including a lopsided loss to the 49ers last week. The Ravens have a dynamic offense, with Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, and Rashod Bateman. The Falcons have a lackluster offense, with Matt Ryan, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Kyle Pitts. The Ravens have a depleted defense, with Calais Campbell, Patrick Queen, and Chuck Clark. The Falcons have a porous defense, with Grady Jarrett, Foyesade Oluokun, and A.J. Terrell. This is a toss-up, as both teams have been inconsistent and injury-riddled. We think the Ravens will bounce back, as they have more talent and a better culture.
Prediction: Ravens 28, Falcons 24
Saturday Night Football: Eagles at Cowboys
The Eagles and the Cowboys are both in the hunt for the NFC East title, as they are 10-4 and 9-5 respectively. The Eagles have won six of their last seven games, including a dominant win over the Giants last week. The Cowboys have also won six of their last seven games, including a thrilling win over the Steelers last week. The Eagles have a potent offense, with Jalen Hurts, Miles Sanders, and Devonta Smith. The Cowboys have a prolific offense, with Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and CeeDee Lamb. The Eagles have a stout defense, with Fletcher Cox, Darius Slay, and Rodney McLeod. The Cowboys have a opportunistic defense, with DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons, and Trevon Diggs. This is the game of the week, as it will decide the fate of the NFC East. The Eagles won the first meeting in Week 6, but the Cowboys will be looking for revenge. We think this will be a high-scoring and entertaining game, but we favor the Eagles, who have more momentum and a better running game.
Prediction: Eagles 35, Cowboys 31
Sunday Games
Washington at 49ers
Washington and the 49ers are both in the mix for the final wild-card spot in the NFC, as they are 7-7 and 8-6 respectively. Washington has lost two in a row, including a tough loss to the Giants last week. The 49ers have won seven in a row, including a convincing win over the Falcons last week. Washington has a gritty offense, with Taylor Heinicke, Antonio Gibson, and Terry McLaurin. The 49ers have a efficient offense, with Jimmy Garoppolo, Elijah Mitchell, and Deebo Samuel. Washington has a solid defense, with Chase Young, Cole Holcomb, and Kendall Fuller. The 49ers have a elite defense, with Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Jimmie Ward. This is a must-win game for both teams, but we think the 49ers will prevail, as they have more talent and a better coach.
Prediction: 49ers 27, Washington 17
Raiders at Steelers
The Raiders and the Steelers are both on the brink of elimination, as they are 6-8 and 5-8-1 respectively. The Raiders have lost four of their last five games, including a heartbreaking loss to the Browns last week. The Steelers have also lost four of