NFL Picks Week 16: New Orleans Saints and Other Christmas Upset Specials
It's the time of year when crazy things begin to happen.
The holiday spirit is very much in the air, people are lighter on their feet and filled with joy, and some seriously crazy things begin to happen in the NFL.
With Week 16 rapidly approaching and several teams still in the playoff hunt, this is a time for those that want to be considered the "big boys" to step up and really take charge.
Which teams will flounder when it matters most? That's why we're here.
Denver Broncos Over Houston Texans
1 of 5
The Broncos haven't inspired much confidence of late, but frankly, neither have the Texans.
In a game that could very well wind up being labeled as the stinker of the week, Tim Tebow might give the Broncos the extra oomph necessary to propel to victory over the quickly-sinking Texans.
With an inability to stay in the game for the full sixty minutes, this Houston team is going to have their hands full as the Broncos look to unleash just about anything in the playbook with nothing to lose.
Look for the Broncos to get win number four of the season.
New York Giants Over Green Bay Packers
2 of 5
Suddenly, the Packers are fighting for their postseason life.
Sitting at just 8-6 and with an extremely tough matchup looming against a hungry Giants team, Aaron Rodgers and Co. could find themselves 8-7 heading into the final week of the season.
A Super Bowl favorite, the Packers have sustained a rash of injuries that may finally be catching up to them of late.
With the Giants having lost in jaw-dropping fashion to the Eagles last week, Tom Coughlin will have Big Blue ready to rip someone's head off this Sunday, and it doesn't look like it'll be an easy first week back into action for Rodgers.
New York Jets Over Chicago Bears
3 of 5
Yes, the game is in Chicago.
Yes, Mark Sanchez may not even play.
Call me crazy, but it's not going to matter.
This is the week where Rex Ryan's defense finally shows up to play with the intensity and success that many expected them to achieve right off the bat. Look for the Jets to rush Cutler all day, which will force him into making tight throws that Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis can feast on all afternoon.
With the Jets looking to prove to the world that they're still a legitimate Super Bowl contender, this defense is going to play a very aggressive style of football against the NFC North leaders.
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Buffalo Bills Over New England Patriots
4 of 5
This is definitely the least likely upset of the week, but if the Patriots do indeed finally fall after years of dominance over the lowly Bills, you shouldn't be all that surprised.
When these two teams first squared off in week three, the Pats made a late-game charge that was barely enough to get them the victory.
Although the defense has improved since that time, the New England secondary was fully exposed by the Bills. Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 91.7 percent of his passes on first down, a truly eye-popping statistic.
If the Patriots' defense has a tough time getting off the field on third down, this one could turn one much closer than many expect.
New Orleans Saints Over Atlanta Falcons
5 of 5
We've all heard the saying.
Don't go against the champs until they lose. Well, the Saints haven't lost anything yet.
Although they are two games behind the Falcons (12-2), the 10-4 Saints are still very much a powerhouse in the NFL. With the team getting healthier, the offense looking prolific as ever and the defense stepping up in a big way, this New Orleans team could once again surprise a lot of people.
Yes, Matt Ryan has been good and the Falcons have been the most surprising team in the NFL, but it's going to take a lot more than that to be considered legitimate title contenders.
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