Week 16 Picks

The Broncos head to Cincy on Monday night for a showdown with the Bengals. It looks like an all important matchup between two teams battling for playoff positioning. But after closer examination, this isn't a real must win for the Broncos. Here is why: Even if Denver loses to Cincy, they can still clinch a first-round bye with a win over the Raiders at home in Week 17. Plus, the Broncos will know what happened with New England on Sunday, and it doesn't seem likely that the Pats will lose at the Jets on Sunday afternoon in the Meadowlands. By Monday Night, if the Broncos know that the Pats somehow lost to the Jets on Sunday, then the game with Cincy takes on another level of proportion, but the more likely scenario is that Denver will be playing knowing that the Pats have won, and this game might not mean as much as advertised. At least all Denver has to do is win one of their last two games to at least get a bye. With that out of the way, here are my picks for Week 16....

Last Week's Record: 11-4-1
Overall Record: 119-98-7
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Minnesota (+7) over MIAMI: The Dolphins at 7-7 are a disappointment. They should be a playoff team in the AFC this year, and now they are on the outside looking in once again. Joe Philbin should go, and if the Dolphins could somehow woo Jim Harbaugh, then they would be a playoff team next year.

Green Bay (-11) over TAMPA BAY: You can't make this line high enough. The Packers coming off a loss to Buffalo, go on the road to face a crummy Bucs team, and they are still in play for the division title. Lock this one up for the Pack.

Detroit (-8) over CHICAGO: Every year, a team loses the first game of the season, and it sets the tone for the rest of the year. The Bears were that team this year. They were huge favorites at home over the Bills, and they blew a lead and lost in overtime. They have never really recovered. Now, they decide to bench Jay Cutler for Jimmy Clausen. This one will get very ugly, very quickly. The Lions have clinched at least a wild card and are still fighting for the division title.

Atlanta (+7) over NEW ORLEANS: The NFC South is on the line! I think the Saints win the game, but look for the Falcons to keep it close. I'm actually pumped up for this matchup.

New England (-10) over NY JETS: There is no way Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and the Pats are going to stub their toe against the lowly, 3-11 Jets in this spot.

PITTSBURGH (-3) over Kansas City: Tough game to call given the Steelers troubles at home this year, but I think the smart move is to take the Steelers. I wouldn't mind see the Steelers, Ravens, and Bengals all in the playoffs this year.

CAROLINA (-3) over Cleveland: I get that Johnny Manziel's debut was awful last week, but give the kid more of a chance than one game. He might be better this week, but I'll take the Panthers at home, who are shockingly alive in the NFC South at 5-8-1.

Baltimore (-4) over HOUSTON: The Texans are 7-7, and they will probably end up 8-8. If they had a real good QB, they would be in the playoffs this year in the AFC. Next year is the year for them. The Ravens are going to make the playoffs, and I see them doing their thing once again this week and winning ugly but getting the job done.

ST.LOUIS (-5) over New York Giants: A game with no meaning other than watching Odell Beckham Jr.

Buffalo (-6) over OAKLAND: It would be awesome to somehow see the Bills get that #6 seed in the AFC, but it will be a longshot. I think they will take care of their business this week in the Black Hole and get their 9th win.

Indy (+3.5) over DALLAS: With the Eagles losing on Saturday, the Cowboys are in good shape in the NFC East, but here comes Andrew Luck and the Colts. Both teams need the game, but obviously the Cowboys need it more. I think Dallas wins, but Luck scares the heck out of you, so I'll take the points with the Colts.

Seattle (-7) over ARIZONA: The Seahawks get to tee off on Ryan Lindley at QB for the Cards. I can't see them not taking the Cards to pieces here. Look for a Seattle romp, and a path to the NFC West crown.

CINCY (+3) over Denver: As I stated before, the Broncos really don't need to win this game. They can still at least get a bye and the #2 seed even if they lose this week. I think this is a tough game because the Bengals need it more than the Broncos. Plus, the Broncos are banged up-especially at LB- and I think the Bengals will do what they have to do to win this game at home on Monday night.

Final Score: Bengals-26 Broncos-16