NFL Picks Week 16: Can Falcons Prove They're NFC's Best Against Saints?
With kickoff just hours away, it's time to make some NFL picks for Week 16!
This week of football is chock full of tasty, important matchups, as division races come to the wire and top teams square off across the league.
But for all of the important games in Week 16, there is none bigger than the one in Atlanta between the Falcons and the New Orleans Saints. With the NFC South race still up for grabs, this one is a must-win for the 10-4 Saints.
But the Falcons could use a win to clinch the division and they've beaten New Orleans once already this season.
Can they do it again, or will Drew Brees and the Saints steal a victory in the Georgia Dome?
The answer to this, and many more questions lie ahead.
Carolina Panthers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
1 of 16
What’s at Stake: For Pittsburgh, this is a game you cannot lose. The Steelers are locked in a pitched battle with the Baltimore Ravens for supremacy in the division, and the last thing they want to do is to lose to a 2-12 team. Carolina meanwhile, might want to consider that a win would hurt their chances of nabbing that first-overall pick they've seemed to need all season long.
Why Carolina Will Win: Pittsburgh will be without safety Troy Polamalu this week, and they're just 5-8 when the Samoan isn't on the field. Carolina actually looked like an NFL team in Week 15 for the first time in recent memory, and if the Panthers can replicate that feat, they've got a shot.
Why Pittsburgh Will Win: Even without Polamalu, Pittsburgh is by far the superior team. This one shouldn't even be close, especially since the game is at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
Final Score: Pittsburgh 35, Carolina 10. The Panthers can't score on this defense, even without Troy Polamalu.
Dallas Cowboys @ Arizona Cardinals
2 of 16
What’s at Stake: Absolutely nothing. Neither team is really in the playoff hunt anymore, so all they're playing for is pride.
Why Dallas Will Win: The Cowboys are probably the more talented team, and have been playing like the team many expected in recent weeks. The Cardinals defense is one of the league's worst, and the Cowboys have the talent to run some big numbers up on the scoreboard.
Why Arizona Will Win: The Cardinals have grabbed three of their four wins on the season at home. The passing game is much improved with John Skelton running the show, and the Cowboys' secondary might be one of the few that has been worse than Arizona's this season. If the game is a shootout, the Cards have the edge.
Final Score: Arizona 35, Dallas 31. The Cardinals have the weapons to punish the Cowboys' vulnerable secondary, and they're a much better team at home than on the road.
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
3 of 16
What’s at Stake: The Patriots' status as "NFL's best team" would be in big trouble if they lost to the lowly Bills. For Buffalo, a win would help to build momentum into 2011.
Why New England Will Win: The Patriots have no business losing to the Bills. They are a vastly superior team, and their offense has the potential to put up 50 on a defense a shoddy as Buffalo's, especially if the Bills don't have Leodis McKelvin.
Why Buffalo Will Win: The Bills hung with the Pats earlier this year in Foxborough, and Buffalo's aerial attack makes them a tough matchup for New England. The Bills have no pressure on them in this one, which many times can be a huge boon to a team's confidence.
Final Score: New England 35, Buffalo 10. The Bills won't keep this one close, as the Pats runaway freight train act continues.
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San Diego Chargers @ Cincinnati Bengals
4 of 16
What’s at Stake: The Chargers can't lose again this week if they want to win the AFC West. The Bengals can't win if they want to take Da'Quan Bowers with their pick. In short, there's quite a bit on the line.
Why San Diego Will Win: Have you watched the Bengals this season? They've all but quit on head coach Marvin Lewis, and it shows on the field. If you don't think the Bolts' potent offense can pick the Bengals' shaky defense apart, you're kidding yourself.
Why Cincinnati Will Win: The Bengals do have the talent to win this game. But they've been so unfocused this season, I don't know if they can handle it. The game is in Cincy, which is a huge plus, considering the Bolts are just 2-4 away from Qualcomm swamp.
Final Score: San Diego 21, Cincinnati 17. A plucky performance from the Bengals isn't enough to get them the win.
Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns
5 of 16
What’s at Stake: For Baltimore, they can't lose this if they want to keep up with the Steelers at the top of the AFC North. Meanwhile, Cleveland's trying to build some respectability and clout for next season, and a win over the Ravens would be a fantastic place to start.
Why Baltimore Will Win: The Ravens are the better team on both sides of the ball. They have the talent to wipe out the Browns offense, and put up some big points of their own. Even if the game is in Cleveland, the advantage has to go to Baltimore in this one. If Jake Delhomme or Seneca Wallace start because Colt McCoy is still sick, the Browns are screwed.
Why Cleveland Will Win: The Browns nearly pulled off the upset in Week 3 in Baltimore, and the Ravens aren't the same team on the road as they are at home. Peyton Hillis has had success against the Ravens in the past, and if he's healthy (Eric Mangini say he is), the Browns could actually get over the hump this time.
Final Score: Baltimore 24, Cleveland 21. The Browns get closer, but just can't quite finish the job.
Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs
6 of 16
What’s at Stake: For the Chiefs, a win puts them another step closer to an AFC East title. For the Titans, a win puts them one step closer to saving Jeff Fisher's job.
Why Tennessee Will Win: Chris Johnson. The Titans running back is going to need to win this one by himself, and he's capable of doing that. Kerry Collins is a decent quarterback, but the Chiefs' secondary is fully capable of slamming the door on Tennessee's receivers. Tennessee's defense rebounded well last week, and the Chiefs are still getting Matt Cassel back into rhythm after the appendix surgery that kept him out for a week.
Why Kansas City Will Win: The Chiefs are just a better team at home than on the road, and Tennessee hasn't exactly wowed us with their lack of toughness this season. The Chiefs are better against the run than the pass, and Chris Johnson can get bottled up (Houston, anyone?). Plus the offense is much more capable of having a big day than the Titans' is, meaning victory is likely.
Final Score: Kansas City 28, Tennessee 20. The Chiefs are one step closer to the postseason.
San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams
7 of 16
What’s at Stake: Somehow, some way, this game will go a long way towards decidng which of these teams will win the NFC West. If the Niners win, and the Seahawks lose, suddenly the best possible record is 7-9. Can the Rams make the playoffs a year after being the laughingstock of the NFL? Can the Niners steal the berth despite their atrocious start to the season?
Why San Francisco Will Win: The Niners seem motivated to go try and take the NFC West and make us all wish the NFL had a "no fewer than 8 wins in the playoffs" rule. They're playing great down the stretch, and have the talent to win this game. If the offense clicks again, they just might.
Why St. Louis Will Win: The Rams are the tougher of these two teams. They do everything well, but don't do anything great, which is a rarity in the NFL. The defense is solid against the pass and run, the offense is good, but not great, and the Rams are incredibly tough to beat at home.
Final Score: San Francisco 27, St. Louis 24, Overtime. This should be another good one, but the result won't change.
Detroit Lions @ Miami Dolphins
8 of 16
What’s at Stake: Pride. Nothing more, nothing less.
Why Detroit Will Win: The Lions have Calvin Johnson, and the Dolphins defense doesn't have anyone capable of marking him. If Shaun Hill is back, the Lions' offense becomes immediately better. Defensively, Detroit has issues, but they can surely contain the Dolphins' passing game, right? Plus, Miami's won just one game at home this year, and the Lions are looking to build a streak on the road.
Why Miami Will Win: The Dolphins are the better team in this one. They've got a stronger defense, and an offense that should be able to hang with the Lions'. The Lions have won all of once on the road in the last three seasons, so surely Miami can score a win, right?
Final Score: Detroit 24, Miami 20. Wrong.
Washington Redskins @ Jacksonville Jaguars
9 of 16
What’s at Stake: The Jags have to get a win if they want to make the playoffs in 2010. The Redskins are trying to prove they're not the hot mess everyone thinks they are.
Why Washington Will Win: Somehow, this team won five games this year. The Jags aren't unbeatable, and if the Redskins get up, they might just pull the upset.
Why Jacksonville Will Win: Jacksonville isn't a wreck like Washington is. The Redskins are the worst defense in the league, and running back Maurice Jones-Drew is eager to get back on track this week. The Jags are highly motivated not to crash out of the playoffs, and a loss would cause them to do just that.
Final Score: Jacksonville 28, Washington 14. The Jags stay in the hunt with a win, while Washington clicnches the title of "2010's biggest trainwreck".
New York Jets @ Chicago Bears
10 of 16
What’s at Stake: The Bears are in the playoffs and the Jets are almost there. Still, these teams are good enough that this should be a fun one, especially if the Jets have any plans on winning the division.
Why Chicago Will Win: The Bears defense could shut down the Jets with Mark Sanchez, but if he doesn't play, it'll get ugly. The Bears don't need to score much if the Jets can't move the ball.
Why New York Will Win: The Jets need a win here if they want to have any chance of winning the AFC East. Their defense can close down the Bears' scatter-shot offense and keep it close.
Final Score: Chicago 17, New York 10. This will be a defensive war, but the Bears are just a bit better defensively.
Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos
11 of 16
What’s at Stake: Nothing whatsoever. Neither team can make the playoffs, although the Broncos are still in the running for first overall pick if they lose out.
Why Houston Will Win: The Texans are the better team here. Denver has completely fallen apart, but Houston continues to fight. Their offense should have a field day with the Broncos awful defense.
Why Denver Will Win: Houston's defense isn't so hot itself, and the Broncos are capable of playing a shootout, even with Tim Tebow at quarterback. Plus the game is in Denver, and the Texans are 2-5 on the road this year.
Final Score: Houston 35, Denver 31. The Texans are better equipped for a shootout, so they're the pick.
Indianapolis Colts @ Oakland Raiders
12 of 16
What’s at Stake: The Colts' playoff hopes. Oakland poses a real threat, and it'll be even tougher for Indy to make the postseason at 9-7.
Why Indianapolis Will Win: The Colts are the better team. Their offense can pick the Raiders' defense to pieces, and they may actually have a running game this week with Joseph Addai back in the fold. Plus, the Colts showed themselves capable of stopping the run last week, so it's highly possible they could do it again.
Why Oakland Will Win: Indy had success against the run at home, but good luck shutting down Darren McFadden in Oakland. He's been gashing teams all season long, and if the Colts can't contain him, they'll be headed for 9-7.
Final Score: Indianapolis 28, Oakland 21. The Colts' offense is a bit more potent, and that will prove the difference in this one.
Seattle Seahawks @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13 of 16
What’s at Stake: Tampa Bay is all but eliminated from playoff contention, and another loss would officially end their hopes of getting in. Seattle is trying to make the playoffs, and a win would go a long way towards determining their fate.
Why Seattle Will Win: The Seahawks are in a fight for the NFC West crown, and a loss would be devastating to their chances. Their offense gets just enough to get wins, and they can pull upsets from time to time.
Why Tampa Bay Will Win: The Bucs are just a better team. Seattle's been miserable on the road all season long and they're just not a talented club. On paper, there's no way the Seahawks win this game.
Final Score: Tampa Bay 35, Seattle 14. For once, paper is right.
New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers
14 of 16
What’s at Stake: Everything. Neither the Giants nor the Packers can afford a loss here, and Green Bay has to get a win to stay in the playoff hunt. This should be must-see T.V. at it's best.
Why New York Will Win: The Giants have the talent to win this game, thanks to a balanced offense and a fairly reliable defense. If Eli Manning avoids making mistakes, and the running game keeps producing, the Giants should come out of Lambeau with a win.
Why Green Bay Will Win: The Packers have Aaron Rodgers back this week, which makes them a very dangerous team. Their defense is capable of containing the Giants, and Eli Manning hasn't shown himself to be terrible adept in the clutch this season.
Final Score: Green Bay 21, New York 20. The Packers take the lead in the wild card race with a huge win.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Minnesota Vikings
15 of 16
What’s at Stake: The Eagles need a win to keep control of the NFC East race. The Vikings need a win to keep from collapsing down the stretch, and to salvage what's left of their dignity.
Why Minnesota Will Win: Umm, well, do you believe in miracles?
Why Philadelphia Will Win: The Eagles are the better, hungrier team in this one. There's no reason they shouldn't win.
Final Score: Philadelphia 35, Minnesota 21. The Eagles take care of business to clinch the NFC East.
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
16 of 16
What’s at Stake: The NFC South. This is the biggest game of the week, between two of the NFL's top teams. It should be a real thriller
Why New Orleans Will Win: This is not the same Saints team that lost to the Falcons in Week 3. The passing game is clicking, the running game is strong, and New Orleans is fully capable of picking apart the Falcons' vulnerable secondary.
Why Atlanta Will Win: Atlanta's offense isn't too shabby, either. Michael Turner is one of the NFL's better running backs, and the Saints defense is extremely vulnerable to the run. If the passing game can find space to work, it could be over early.
Final Score: New Orleans 28, Atlanta 27. The Saints do just enough to avenge their Week 3 loss, and make the final week of the season very interesting.
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