Broncos-Lions and Week 16 Picks

The Broncos come home to Denver for the first of two home games to finish out the 2019 season. Although they are 5-9, these two games are important to me. First, I want them to finish strong and win the last two games to finish 7-9. After an 0-4 start, to go 7-5 the last 12 games would be a positive. Secondly, I don't want them to finish with 10+losses for the third consecutive season. Lastly, I want to see Drew Lock play well and continue his development. I think he can be the guy for this franchise going forward, and I want to see him play well and win these last two games.
Prediction: Detroit (+6) over DENVER
Final Score: Broncos-23 Lions-20

Now, onto the picks for Week 16 in the National Football League............

Last Week's Record: 8-8
Overall Record: 104-108-11
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Houston (+1) over TAMPA BAY: Game one of the Saturday tripleheader begins in Tampa where the 9-5 Texans are looking to solidify a playoff spot with a win over the 7-7 Bucs. I think the Bucs will be feisty, but they are all beat up on offense, so look for the Texans to take control of the game and win it going away.

NEW ENGLAND (-6) over Buffalo: Game two of the Saturday tripleheader features the 11-3 Patriots and the 10-4 Bills. The Pats won the first game between these two in Buffalo, but the Bills still have an outside chance to win the division. Both teams clinched playoff berths, but this game is big for seeding in the AFC. Look for the Pats to take care of business at home to lock up that first round bye.

LA Rams (+7) over SAN FRANCISCO: The Niners are 11-3 and suffered a bad loss at home to the Falcons last week. The Rams are 8-6 and are a longshot for the playoffs. I think the Niners will win the game, but I think the Rams will be a tough out here.

Jacksonville (+6) over ATLANTA: Jacksonville looks better with Gardner Minshew at QB than Nick Foles, as evidenced by their comeback win over the Raiders last week. I think they get two in a row here.

TENNESSEE (+2) over New Orleans: The Titans are 8-6 and get win the division or get a wild card in the AFC, but they have to win here. I think they will play a really good game at home, and upset the Saints.

WASHINGTON (-3) over NY Giants: The Redskins will beat the Giants in a game that will have both fanbases longing for the the days of Joe Gibbs vs. Bill Parcells.

NY JETS (+3) over Pittsburgh: The Jets will pull the upset on the Steelers at home and send Pitt to 8-7 and put a huge dent in their playoff plans.

MIAMI (-3) over Cincy: The Dolphins will knock off the Bengals as Cincy clinches the #1 pick in next year's draft.

INDY (-6) over Carolina:  I feel like the Panthers will have to win one game down in the last two games of the year. Even if they don't beat the Colts, they will keep it close.

Baltimore (-7) over CLEVELAND: I can't see the Ravens stubbing their toe against the clown show that is the Browns in Week 16. Baltimore clinches the #1 seed in the AFC and they will rest their starters next week.

Dallas (-1) over PHILLY: The battle for the NFC East is in Philly as the 7-7 Cowboys take on the 7-7 Eagles. The Eagles are banged up on offense, and they have just scraped by the Giants and Redskins the last two weeks. The Cowboys are probably the better team, but they have been very inconsistent the last month. I'll take Dallas only because I want them to win.

SEATTLE (-8) over Arizona: Seattle doesn't mess around here at home with the Cardinals and they keep their hopes alive to have the #1 seed in the NFC and homefield advantage.

Oakland (+7) over LA CHARGERS: The Raiders have lost four in a row and at 6-8 look like they won't make the playoffs. I think they take care of the Chargers this week.

Kansas City (-4) over CHICAGO: Not the best Sunday night game for Week 16, but I think the Chiefs will take care of the 7-7 Bears and gear themselves up for a playoff run in the AFC.

MINNESOTA (-3) over Green Bay: This is a great game on Monday Night Football. The 11-3 Packers go into Minnesota to take on the 10-4 Vikings with the NFC North on the line. One day before Christmas Eve, this game is a must watch for the weekend. I think Minnesota wins, but the Packers can still clinch the division with a win next week.