NFL: Week 16 Picks

Last week was one for the ages.  OUCH!  If you are still reading this blog, it means you have a sense of loyalty. Or, you are looking at my picks and going the other way, which is a method I used when my father was a gambling man.

 

Anyway, I actually feel good about the picks below.  This could be a redemptive weekend.

 

Dallas (-4) vs. Baltimore

Dallas is peaking at exactly the right time of the season.  This game is going to be close and could fall right on the number, but I am impressed with just how powerful the Cowboys are right now.

 

New England (-7.5) vs. Arizona

The Cardinals in cold Foxboro just doesn’t make a lot of sense.  New England is still in a big playoff fight so they should dispatch the Arizona.

 

Cincinnati (+3) at Cleveland

The lowly battle of Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie.  The Dawg Pound will be moaning as Cincinnati enjoys some more late season success at the hands of the ailing Browns.

 

Miami (-4) at Kansas City

The Dolphins need to keep winning.  They are better in all facets of the game.  December in Arrowhead could be tough but the Chiefs just do not have any game.

 

Detroit (+7) vs. New Orleans

Detroit may well win this game.  They have been so close for so long now, and the Saints come limping in with their season over.

 

Tennessee (+2) vs. Pittsburgh

The team with the best record in football is a home underdog?  This is very interesting.  Pittsburgh, as good a team as it is, has been lucky, and is going to run out of that luck this weekend.

 

Tampa Bay (-3.5) vs. San Diego

Tampa Bay will win this game by at least a touchdown.  San Diego has disappointed all season long.  At least the weather is nice out there.

 

San Francisco (-5.5) at St. Louis

The 49ers will continue to show that they have integrity as a team even though there is little to play for, except for a tougher schedule next year and a lower draft pick.

 

Denver (-7) vs. Buffalo

In Mile High Stadium, flailing Buffalo will run out of gas against the high powered, if deeply flawed, Bronco team.

 

Houston (-7) at Oakland

If only Houston had started the season as well as it is finishing it, they would be considered for the playoffs.

 

Seattle (+4.5) vs. New York Jets

The Jets are 0-3 on the west coast.  If they prevent going winless, it will not be by much.

 

Minnesota (-3) vs. Atlanta

This is a giant game between two emerging powers.  I take Minnesota only because they are home.

 

Philadelphia (-5) at Washington

The Jim Zorn era may be getting shorter and shorter with each passing loss.  Look for the surging Eages to keep their slim playoff chances alive here.

 

New York Giants (-3) vs. Carolina

The Giants are going to overpower the Panthers, everyone’s darling right now.

 

Chicago (-4) at Green Bay

Green Bay is done.  Chicago still has a shot, and is a respectable team.