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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 05: Troy Smith #1 of the San Francisco 49ers calls a play in the huddle against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 5, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the 49ers 34-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Ge
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 05: Troy Smith #1 of the San Francisco 49ers calls a play in the huddle against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 5, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the 49ers 34-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/GeJonathan Daniel/Getty Images

NFL Picks Week 16: Predictions for Every NFL Game; Will the 49ers Win?

Mihir BhagatDec 23, 2010

Here are my NFL picks for Week 16.

You'll see some interesting selections, including my thoughts on whether the San Francisco 49ers can keep their playoff hopes alive with a win over the St. Louis Rams.  

Also, will the Giants beat the Packers? Will the Saints knock off the Falcons on Monday Night Football? 

Find out my predictions on those games and much more.  

Note that this week has several games that have major playoff implications, so be sure to tune in. 

Last Week: 10-6

Cumulative Season Record: 135-89 (.603)

Carolina Panthers (2-12) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4)

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19:  Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after running for a touchdown during the game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field on December 19, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty I
PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after running for a touchdown during the game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field on December 19, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty I

Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

Jimmy Clausen against one of the best defenses in the league? Ha!

This should be an easy win for the Steelers, who rarely lose at home, let alone in back-to-back weeks.

This game will be broadcast at 8:20 P.M. EST on the NFL Network (Thursday).

Dallas Cowboys (5-9) @ Arizona Cardinals (4-10)

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31:  Miles Austin #19 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Miles Austin #19 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)

Winner: Dallas Cowboys

Strangely enough, while the Cowboys are much better than their record indicates, the Cardinals are a lot worse. 

I don't see how their porous defense will be able to contain Jon Kitna & Co. 

This game will be broadcast at 7:30 P.M. EST on the NFL Network (Saturday)

Washington Redskins (5-9) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7)

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars hands off to Maurice Jones-Drew #32 against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars hands off to Maurice Jones-Drew #32 against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars

I give the edge to the Jaguars here because their offense, led by Maurice Jones-Drew, is more potent and they have a significant home-field advantage. 

This game will be broadcast at 1:00 P.M. EST on FOX.

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Detroit Lions (3-11) @ Miami Dolphins (7-7)

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 12:  Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 12: Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Winner: Miami Dolphins

For some reason, the Dolphins simply can't win at home. In fact, they couldn't even beat the Bills. 

Sad as that is, I see them finding a way to top the Lions here. There's no way they can be that bad in front of their own fans.

This game will be broadcast at 1:00 P.M. EST on FOX.

San Francisco 49ers (5-9) @ St. Louis Rams (6-8)

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ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 21: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a victory against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 21, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri.  The 49ers beat the Rams 17-16.  (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Get
ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 21: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a victory against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 21, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 49ers beat the Rams 17-16. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Get

Winner: San Francisco 49ers

All along, I've predicted the 49ers will win the NFC West and I'm sticking to my guns. The Rams have been in a slump lately, and the 49ers can take advantage of that here.

This game will be broadcast at 1:00 P.M. EST on FOX.

Tennessee Titans (6-8) @ Kansas City Chiefs (9-5)

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 14:  Running back Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to facing the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on November 14, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 49-29.  (Photo by Doug Pen
DENVER - NOVEMBER 14: Running back Jamaal Charles #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to facing the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on November 14, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 49-29. (Photo by Doug Pen

Winner: Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are unbeaten at home, and expect it to stay that way in this one. 

This game will be broadcast at 1:00 P.M. EST on FOX.

New York Jets (10-4) @ Chicago Bears (10-4)

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19:  Darrelle Revis #24of the New York Jets warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 19: Darrelle Revis #24of the New York Jets warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 19, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Winner: New York Jets

The Chicago Bears defense may be stout, but their offense is a liability. Plus, since both teams are 6-1 on the road, shouldn't the away team win this one? I certainly think so.

This game will be broadcast at 1:00 P.M. EST on CBS.

New England Patriots (12-2) @ Buffalo Bills (3-11)

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19:  Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots communicates with teammates during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won the game 31-27
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots communicates with teammates during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won the game 31-27

Winner: New England Patriots

Frankly, not much of a competition here.

This game will be broadcast at 1:00 P.M. EST on CBS.

Baltimore Ravens (10-4) @ Cleveland Browns (5-9)

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BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 28:  Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Buccaneers 17-10. (Photo by Larry F
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 28: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Buccaneers 17-10. (Photo by Larry F

Winner: Baltimore Ravens

The Cleveland Browns have had their moments this season, but against the Ravens, they won't be having their next.

This game will be broadcast at 1:00 P.M. EST on CBS.

Houston Texans (5-9) @ Denver Broncos (3-11)

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02:  Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball on a reverse against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Andre Johnson #80 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball on a reverse against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Winner: Houston Texans

The Houston Texans' offense is simply too dynamic for the Broncos to contain. I see them blowing by in this one.

This game will be broadcast at 4:05 P.M. EST on CBS. 

San Diego Chargers (8-6) @ Cincinnati Bengals (3-11)

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16:  Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers drops back to pass against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers drops back to pass against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Winner: San Diego Chargers

The Chargers know this is a must-win for them and their slim playoff aspirations, so they should come out swinging. Against the Bengals, they may even hit a home run.

This game will be broadcast at 4:05 P.M. EST on CBS.

Indianapolis Colts (8-6) @ Oakland Raiders (7-7)

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 19:  Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball during their game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 19, 2010 in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 19: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball during their game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 19, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Winner: Oakland Raiders

This may, in fact, be my boldest prediction ever and you may think I'm crazy on this one. However, statistically speaking, the Raiders have the edge. 

Expect Darren McFadden to have a monstrous outing.

This game will be broadcast at 4:05 P.M. EST on CBS.

New York Giants (9-5) @ Green Bay Packers (8-6)

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 21:  Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws against the Minnesota Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 21, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws against the Minnesota Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 21, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Winner: Green Bay Packers

With Aaron Rodgers back in the starting lineup, I think the Packers will be surging for a playoff spot.

This game will be broadcast at 4:15 P.M. EST on FOX.

Seattle Seahawks (6-8) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6)

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 19:  Running back LeGarrette Blount #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers straight-arms safety C.C. Brown #39 of the Detroit Lions during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Im
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 19: Running back LeGarrette Blount #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers straight-arms safety C.C. Brown #39 of the Detroit Lions during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Im

Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

No way that the Buccaneers don't rebound from last week's devastating loss with a commanding victory here.

This game will be broadcast at 4:15 P.M. EST on FOX.

Minnesota Vikings (5-9) @ Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19:  Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles passes against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

Two words: Michael Vick.

After doing the improbable last week, I'm certain that he will lead the Eagles to victory here. 

This game will be broadcast at 8:20 P.M. EST on NBC.

New Orleans Saints (10-4) @ Atlanta Falcons (12-2)

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11:  Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Winner: Atlanta Falcons

This is a critical game for both teams, but as it's been proven time after time, the Falcons simply don't lose at home.

This game will be broadcast at 8:30 P.M. EST on ESPN (Monday).

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