NFL Week 16 Predictions: The Final Path to the Playoffs
The NFL's regular season is in its final stretch. The elite remain just that as we wind down what could be the last NFL regular season until 2012. This year, the "usual suspects" are again at the top. New England, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, etc. Also, a few surprise teams like Chicago and Atlanta hold top spots in the NFC.
Tom Brady, who hasn't thrown an INT in his last 296 attempts (NFL Record), is the consensus MVP. Also, other QB's like Michael Vick and Matt Ryan could make some noise. Ryan and Vick are in the distant rear-view mirror, though, as Brady will take the honors.
After Week 16, almost everything will be decided for the playoff race. Then again, there's always Week 17, which decides all.
Here are predictions for each Week 16 game.
Thursday Night Football: Carolina Panthers at Pittsburgh Steelers
1 of 16
Carolina comes into this game just off of their second win of the season. With the short week, they'll have little time to enjoy it, plus the fact that they are heading to Pittsburgh. The Panthers have had a very miserable season, and John Fox's seat is hotter than Arizona in the heat of summer. Jimmy Clausen still has ample time to grow and mature, but he was thrown into the fire this season. At least the Cats have seen what they have in the young Notre Dame product.
The Steelers are again near the top of the AFC. This is nothing new to them, as it seems that they're in this position annually. Ben Roethlisberger got started on the season late but has turned in another solid season. Rashard Mendenhall and Mike Wallace have been perfect complements to Big Ben so far. Dick LeBeau's nasty defensive unit is stingy and possesses a load of play-makers.
Prediction: Steelers 20 Panthers 6
Christmas Night Special: Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals
2 of 16
The Dallas Cowboys have somewhat lived up to expectations under Jason Garrett. Quite frankly, anything was better than how they played under Wade Phillips. Dallas now turns its attention to a team that is in even worse shape than they are in Arizona. Jon Kitna has been serviceable in the absence of Tony Romo. The real problem in Dallas has been their dreaded defense The same defense that carried them in the past is now holding them back. Luckily, they have been able to count on Felix Jones as the feature back.
The Arizona Cardinals have been disastrous this season and lack motivation. This is a major turnaround for a team that was in the Super Bowl just two years ago. They need a plan as to who the starting QB is going forward. None of Derek Anderson, Max Hall nor John Skelton seem to be the answer. Larry Fitzgerald has had a strong year but can't help the offense alone. The running game and team in general was expected to be a lot better than this.
Prediction: Cowboys 24 Cardinals 20
Washington Redskins at Jacksonville Jaguars
3 of 16
The Washington Redskins' season has been long over. Donovan McNabb never truly had any sense of control over this team as he and Mike Shanahan have constantly battled. Now, they turn to Rex Grossman as McNabb feels "disrespected." What can Grossman do that McNabb can't? McNabb has now been told that he would be welcome back to Washington...as backup. On a positive note, Ryan Torain should be the running back going forward. He's a tough runner and has had some big games for the 'Skins.
Jacksonville has gotten sufficient production out of its offense led by Maurice Jones-Drew and David Garrard. The problem has been their defense which has given up 365 points on the season. Though divisional rival Indy is one-dimensional, they are better than the Jags and will likely win the AFC South. Overall, the Jags have given it a valiant effort and spent a good portion of the season in first. Now tied, it comes down to the final two weeks.
Prediction: Jaguars 21 Redskins 13
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Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins
4 of 16
The Detroit Lions ended their road losing streak last weekend at 26 games. The Lions still are in the cellar of the NFC North, but the future is very bright for a change. With core guys like Matthew Stafford, Branndon Pettigrew, Jahvid Best and Calvin Johnson, the Lions are heading in the right direction on offense. If they could only get that defense going, they may be able to become a legitimate threat. While the defense has shined at times, they are still missing leadership and talent at key positions.
The Dolphins will likely finish at or above .500 this season. Even so, a change could be coming soon for this team. There are a handful of former NFL coaches available and ready to coach again. One can expect that the 'Fins could be leaning towards one of them. With Jon Gruden and Bill Cowher on the block, the possibilities and potential are there. For the time being though, the 'Fins are heading upward. The defense has really been solid yet doesn't get enough credit for their play. It's rather been the offense that hasn't produced points. Their "WildCat" running game isn't quite fooling teams the way it used to.
Prediction: Dolphins 17 Lions 7
San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams
5 of 16
Both teams really need this game, more so the Rams though. They've been a great story all season and now can win the division. Someone has to take the NFC West, right? Heading into the final two weeks, it's still very wide-open and a three-team race.
Sam Bradford will be one of the best quarterbacks of the next generation. In just his first season, he's put up very good numbers and can lead the Rams to the playoffs. He has a bunch of other young weapons at his disposal on offense and often relies on veteran back Steven Jackson.
The 49ers won the first matchup in a close overtime game. Again, if they can decide which Smith will start, they may be able to build but otherwise it's setting them back. Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree have been viable receiving options for whichever QB is playing. They really miss Frank Gore's presence in the offense.
Prediction: Rams 21 Niners 17
Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs
6 of 16
The Titans have had an up-and-down season at best. Chris Johnson's been the lone bright spot on the offense, and even he didn't have nearly the year he had in 2009. Johnson could exceed the 1,500-yard mark again but said he could again gain 2,000. Their recent six-game losing streak ended all hopes of a playoff berth this season. Jeff Fisher now needs to figure out if Vince Young is the answer at QB in the future. If not, he will need to draft a running back and rebuild rapidly.
Kansas City's surprise run should culminate in a playoff berth. They're undefeated at home where they play their final two games of the season. The odds to win the AFC West are certainly in their favor. Their running duo of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones may be the best in the NFL. Even Dwayne Bowe turned in a sensational season for the Chiefs. He's evolved into an elite receiver this season. Now, the challenge will be to continue his success.
Prediction: Chiefs 27 Titans 17
New York Jets at Chicago Bears
7 of 16
These are two of the best defenses in the game. The Jets have become the most hated team in the NFL and appear to be back on track for the playoffs. Their showdown with the Bears on Sunday will show just how playoff-worthy they truly are. Mark Sanchez has been inconsistent all season and has his shining moments. Then other times, he looks horrendous.
The Bears' defense is back and as good as ever. Their special teams unit is the best in the NFL right now as Devin Hester goes down in the history books. Jay Cutler has proved that he can handle the pressure of the Windy City and then some. Cutler and the Bears are now the NFC North Champions.
Prediction: Jets 17 Bears 16
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
8 of 16
The Patriots are the deepest offensive team in the AFC and maybe the entire NFL. The jury is still out on their defense, though, which could hamper them in the playoffs. The weapons on offense are endless for Tom Brady, the uber-MVP of the NFL. Brady can make do with just about any weapons that he has. He's proved that time and time again in his career. The defense is a major work in progress but for now they can just dominate teams with their high-powered offense.
Buffalo has struggled once again this season. Though they gave New England a tough bout in their first meeting, they won't be able to stick around this time. Ryan Fitzpatrick has performed very well so far and has a bright future in Buffalo. They aren't that far away from becoming a legitimate contender. Well, a few big moves maybe.
Prediction: Patriots 34 Bills 17
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
9 of 16
The Baltimore Ravens are again at the top of the AFC. This could be their year to contend for the Super Bowl. With an offense that's been nearly as good as the defense, they have one of the most balanced teams in the league. The Ravens have a great opportunity to finish strong heading into the playoffs. They showed throughout the season that they can compete with and even beat other elite teams. Ray Rice is definitely an elite back and his career is about to take off.
Eric Mangini may be done for in Cleveland. After not a lot of change with the young core they have, this is the time to look for a new coach. Though it likely won't be Mike Holmgren, you never know. The talent is there for the Browns, and their move for Peyton Hillis was one of the best trades in quite some time. Colt McCoy is the future and present for the Browns, but their competing in the AFC North is still a ways away.
Prediction: Ravens 27 Browns 10
Houston Texans at Denver Broncos
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Houston has an electric offense that can score with anybody in the league. Their defense can't stop opponents whatsoever, though. That's a major reason why they still can't compete in the AFC South. Gary Kubiak is surely on his way out, so the search for some new blood begins. The talent on offense is abundant, but the need for defense is glaring. Even Matt Schuab has been a detriment for this team. His inability to win "big games" drags them down and keeps them out of the spotlight.
Denver slid all the way to the bottom of this division and fired Josh McDaniels. After a good start to his coaching career, the wheels started to come off. The Broncos now look to Tim Tebow to lead them for the rest of the season and probably the future. Kyle Orton may be on the move as well with a chance to start elsewhere next year.
Prediction: Texans 30 Broncos 14
San Diego Chargers at Cincinnati Bengals
11 of 16
San Diego can still make the playoffs but will need some help to get there. They will need the Chiefs to lose at home over the next few weeks, something that hasn't happened since 2009. Phillips Rivers is among the elite QB's and proved it this season once again. Mike Tolbert has been one of his sidekicks and a pleasant surprise for the Chargers' offense. Their defense is atop the NFL in a number of categories and has helped win games for them.
Cincinnati has been a trainwreck in 2010. Unfortunately, they were more of a reality show than a football team. This is a shocking turnaround for them. Some even considered them as Super Bowl contenders this season. "The T. Ocho Show" was in fact a show on and off the field. Otherwise, there's been no other reasons to watch the disappointing Bengals.
Prediction: Chargers 31 Bengals 10
Indianapolis Colts at Oakland Raiders
12 of 16
The Colts have had a strange season. Through all of their injuries, they remain right in the thick of things. Credit and fault go to Peyton Manning. Sometimes, he's tried to do too much and it just hasn't worked. With the lack of weapons he's had, though, who can blame him? Injuries to Joseph Addai and Dallas Clark could've doomed them. Others were able to step up for the offense though and it's worked. The defense (particularly against the run) is still atrocious though. Let's see how they fare against another top running attack in Oakland.
Oakland presents a tough challenge for Manning and the Colts. "The Black Hole" isn't a friendly environment, and the Raiders still have something to play for. Darren McFadden has had a stellar season, and Jason Campbell is playing well at quarterback. Their defense seldom gets praise, but they are pretty disruptive.
Prediction: Colts 27 Raiders 17
New York Giants at Green Bay Packers
13 of 16
Will the Giants be able to recover from last week's miracle loss to Philadelphia? That's the burning question right now that will be answered on Sunday at Lambeau Field. The G Men are still in position to make the playoffs, but so are the Packers. This game will go a long way in deciding a Wild Card berth. If the Giants win, they clinch the spot, if the Pack win they live to fight another day. This game is huge for both teams. Eli Manning and Co. will need to play a full 60 minutes to win this game.
Aaron Rodgers is back for the Pack, which immediately evens things up. These are two of the most talented teams in the NFC, and one will make the playoffs. The Packers never got their running game up to par after Ryan Grant's devastating injury. The defense is among the best in the league led by Clay Matthews. In addition to Matthews, there are a number of other playmakers.
Prediction: Packers 20 Giants 16
Seattle Seahawks at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
14 of 16
The Seahawks are still in prime position to win the NFC West, but it will come down to the final weekend against the Rams. They may be able to steal the division, but first, they need to beat the Buccaneers. Even if they make the playoffs, this team is in dire need of a rebuilding period and may need to start from scratch. Pete Carroll at least seems like a nice addition as coach for now.
Tampa Bay, the self-proclaimed "best in the NFC" has made a nice turnaround. Though this was only enough to get them up to third in the NFC South. The Bucs appears to be moving in the right direction though. With a solid young core on both sides of the ball, they should continue to at least make some noise.
Prediction: Seahawks 17 Buccaneers 13
Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles
15 of 16
Minnesota played in a bizarre game on Monday night, as we may have seen the last of Brett Favre. The Vikes now turn to Joe Webb, a run-first QB who was drafted as a receiver. Yeah, they're in some trouble. Adrian Peterson missed last week's game, and it showed, as the Vikes really missed his presence. The defense isn't what they used to be as Jared Allen and the Williams Wall are the lone stars.
The Eagles shocked the football world on Sunday and made another Miracle, this time at the New Meadowlands. Michael Vick was again sensational, leading the way with four TD's. The Birds will look to ride LeSean McCoy down the stretch and into the playoffs. And DeSean Jackson made up for a so-so day with his game-winning punt return TD against the Giants. With a win or Giants loss, the NFC East belongs to Philly.
Prediction: Eagles 30 Vikings 10
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
16 of 16
This is the biggest game of the week and of the NFC to date. With everything on the line, the Falcons and Saints do battle in the Georgia Dome. The Falcons need Matt Ryan to continue to win at home and deliver them an NFC South title. The supporting cast around Ryan has been exceptional. Michael Turner and Roddy White are really stepping it up for the Falcons.
The Saints ain't the 'Aints anymore. They are the defending champions that are looking to get back to the "Big Game." The Saints are a solid football team that was forgotten this season. Drew Brees put up more impressive stats, and Chris Ivory was a very respectable fill-in as feature back. The defense can still use some work, though, but they are improving.
Prediction: Falcons 21 Saints 20
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