Week 16 Picks

The Broncos hit Week 16 in a better position than the last time they played two Thursdays ago. Denver's loss to San Diego at home dropped the Broncos to 11-3, but New England now controlled the  top seed in the AFC because they hold the tiebreaker with their win back in November. Things turned a little better for the Broncos after the Patriots lost to the Dolphins. That gave the Broncos a chance to still get the #1 seed. Now, Denver still has to worry about the Chiefs. KC is 11-3, but at least Denver owns the tiebreaker because of the head-to-head sweep. If Denver wins out, then they will win the division. If they win out, then they will take the top seed in the conference. It would be nice if KC gets tripped up this week at home against Indy, and the Pats lose on the road to Baltimore, and in that case all Denver would have to do would be to beat Houston to clinch the #1 seed. Let's hope it all plays out that way, but in any event Denver just has to keep winning and everything will take care of itself. Onto the picks for Week 16...

Last Week's Record: 8-8
Overall Record: 110-105-11
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Miami (-3) over BUFFALO: After the Dolphins won in the snow over Pittsburgh two weeks ago, I think you can trust them in cold weather this weekend. It actually might be pretty nice for them in Buffalo anyway on Sunday. I think the Dolphins will get by and get to 9-6 and really help their wild card chances.

New Orleans (+3) over CAROLINA: Toughest game to call all week. The Saints are not the same team on the road, and they are walking into a building with a really good team and solid defense. All signs point to a coming out party for the Panthers, but I'm going to go the other way. Watch the Saints rise up and take this one and the NFC South in the process.

Dallas (-3) over WASHINGTON: As bad as that loss was last week for the Cowboys, I still think they will find a way to get the road win over their rival Redskins. It has to come down to Dallas hosting Philly for the NFC East title. It is destined to be that way.

ST.LOUIS (-3) over Tampa Bay: Meaningless game but I'll take the Rams at home to get 7-8.

NY JETS (-2) over Cleveland: Another meaningless game, and I'll take the Jets at home with their defense.

Indy (+7) over KANSAS CITY: The Colts have been pretty shitty the last month, and last week's walkover win at home over Houston didn't really impress too many people. I think they are due for a big effort. Anytime you have Andrew Luck on the road, you have a chance. I think KC might win it in the end, but it will be close.

CINCY (-7) over Minnesota: Bengals laid an egg last week at Pittsburgh. I think they rebound this week with a big effort over the Vikings at home, where they are very good.

JACKSONVILLE (+5) over Tennessee: Another meaningless game in the AFC South. Look for the Jags to be a live home dog.

Arizona (+10) over SEATTLE: The Seahawks embarrassed the Cards last year in Seattle 58-0. This is a different Arizona team this time around. Seattle will win, but look for the Cards to keep it closer than people think.

DETROIT (-7) over New York Giants: Everyone is killing the Lions chances at winning the NFC North, but they still have a shot. The Giants are playing out the string at this point. I can't see them giving the Lions a game here.

SAN DIEGO (-9) over Oakland: The Chargers are still alive for the wild card at 7-7. If they win this week, they still have a chance with some help to get in. I think they roll over Oakland at home.

GREEN BAY (-2) over Pittsburgh: Matt Flynn gets the start once again for the injured Aaron Rodgers. The Packers are coming off their thrilling comeback win over the Cowboys last week. At 7-6-1, they still have a chance to win the NFC North. Tough game to call, but I'll take the Packers to find another way to stay alive.

BALTIMORE (-2) over New England: The Pats lost a tough game to Miami last week on the road late.  At 10-4, they need this game but it won't be the end of the world if they lose, because they can still clinch the division next week with a win at home over Buffalo. This week they head to Baltimore and the Ravens are red hot. They have won four in a row, and at 8-6 they are in the midst of the playoff race. They always play well against the Pats, and I think they will win this game to get to 9-6.

Chicago (+3) over PHILLY: Weird game because if Dallas loses earlier in the day, the Eagles could clinch the East. I don't know how this game will turn out as a result. I'll take the points with the Bears on the road.

SAN FRANCISCO (-10) over Atlanta: The last game at Candlestick Park will be a glorious one for the 49ers. Look for SF to take care of business and get to 11-4 with a convincing win over the Falcons.

Denver (-9) over HOUSTON: The Texans will play tough, and this game will be close for a while. Denver needs to get back on track after last week's loss to the Chargers, and I think this is the week for them. This game does scare me, but I'm going to take the Broncos here in a must-win situation for their seeding and division title hopes.

Final Score: Broncos-34 Texans-24