Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Broncos-Chargers and Week 16 Picks

At 5-9, the Broncos are playing meaningless football once again in December. They are headed for their fourth consecutive losing season and a fifth straight year out of the playoffs. They have also been decimated by injuries and bad luck all season long. This week, they get to head to LA to take on Justin Herbert, who is lighting up the league and on his way to the Rookie of the Year Award. Look for Herbert to cut up the Broncos depleted secondary. I think Denver is in for long day out in Sofi Stadium on Sunday.

CHARGERS (-3) over Denver

Final Score: Chargers-31 Broncos-17



Last Week's Record: (7-5-4)

Overall Record (110-102-11)

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS) 

Now, onto the picks for Week 16.....

Minnesota (+8) over NEW ORLEANS: Nice little Christmas Day game in New Orleans. The Saints are 10-4 and have lost two straight. The Vikings are 6-8 and basically out of the playoff race. I think Minnesota covers but the Saints will win the game.

Tampa Bay (-7) over DETROIT: The Lions are 5-9 and playing out the string. The Bucs are 9-5 and ready to cement their playoff berth. The Bucs will win and get their 10th win and secure their first playoff spot since 2007.

ARIZONA (-3) over San Francisco: The Cardinals are 8-6 and have the 7 seed in the NFC in their grasp. The Niners are 5-9 and having a year from hell. Look for the Cardinals to get their ninth win and move one step closer to the playoffs.

LAS VEGAS (+3) over Miami: A Saturday night special between the 7-7 Raiders and the 9-5 Dolphins. Miami is fighting for a wild card spot and the Raiders are all but done. I don't know why but I have a feeling the Raiders will play hard and win this game. I think it's close but I'm going with the Raiders and the upset. 

KANSAS CITY (-11) over Atlanta: The Chiefs are 13-1 and can lock up the #1 seed in the AFC with a win over the hapless Falcons. They won't mess around and they will get the job done and secure that first round bye in the AFC.

Cleveland (-9) over JETS: The Jets pulled the upset of the season with a win over the Rams last week. The Jets are 1-13 and right now took themselves out of the #1 overall pick and the prize of Trevor Lawrence. The Browns are 10-4 and only a game behind the Steelers in the AFC North. Look for the Browns to take care of the Jets on Sunday and put pressure on the Steelers. 

PITTSBURGH (-1) over Indianapolis: The Steelers looked terrible in their loss to the Bengals on Monday Night Football. Pittsburgh is now 11-3 and have lost three in a row. They don't look good on offense and their defense is banged up. The Colts are 10-4 but still have work to do to secure a playoff berth. I'm going to give the Steelers one more week to right the ship.

Carolina (+4) over WASHINGTON: Carolina is 4-10 but playing hard as an undermanned group right now. Washington is 6-8 and still leads the division by a game over Dallas and the Giants. I'm picking Carolina because I want things to get interesting in the Week 17 for the NFC East.

JACKSONVILLE (+7) over Chicago: Jacksonville now holds the #1 overall pick as a result of the Jets win on Sunday. Both teams are 1-13 but if they both lose out and finish 1-15, then the Jags have the tiebreaker and would get the pick. I can totally see Jacksonville being feisty here. I wouldn't trust Mitch Trubisky and this Bears team as a seven point favorite over anyone. Although the Bears are 7-7 and still alive for a playoff spot, I think this game is going to be close. 

Giants (+10) over BALTIMORE: The Ravens are 8-5 and need to keep winning to make the playoffs. I think they will beat the 5-9 Giants here but I think the G-Men will play hard and keep it close.

HOUSTON (-7) over Cincinnati: The Texans are 4-10 and playing out the string. The Bengals are 3-10-1 and playing out the string. Look for Houston to roll past Cincy.

Philadelphia (PICK) over DALLAS: At 5-9, the Cowboys are still alive in the NFC East. The Eagles are 4-9-1 but they are playing better since they inserted Jalen Hurts at QB. I have a feeling they will officially put the Cowboys out of their misery this week.

Rams (+3) over SEATTLE: The Rams were embarrassed by losing to the Jets at home last week, and now they head to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. This game is huge in the NFC West. Seattle is 10-4 and the Rams are 9-5. If Seattle wins, they win the division. I have a feeling that the Rams will rebound from last week's debacle and play well in this game. I think they might even win it outright.

GREEN BAY (-4) over Tennessee: Green Bay can clinch the #1 seed in the NFC with a win over the Titans on Sunday Night Football. Tennessee is 10-4 and still trying to wrap up the AFC South. Look for the Packers to play their best game and lock up the homefield advantage in the NFC.

Buffalo (-6) over NEW ENGLAND: The Bills clinched the AFC East last week and now they host the Patriots on Monday Night Football. The Pats are out of the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Look for the passing of the torch commence in this one as Buffalo puts the Pats away.

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