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SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19:  Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons passes against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons passes against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

NFL 2010 Week 16 Predictions With Holidays Wishes

JW NixDec 24, 2010

I would like this opportunity to wish all of you the happiest of holidays, as well as the happiest of every day now and beyond. For those few who read my babble on occasion, I will make this fast so you can get back to your gifts and egg nog.

Week 16 has several games that are very important, and the best game may come in the nightfall of Monday.

Enjoy yourselves.

Dallas Cowboys @ Arizona Cardinals

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17:  Jason Whitten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys stands on the field during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Jason Whitten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys stands on the field during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

The Cowboys quest to crawl out of their divisions cellar continues, while Arizona seems content to be at the bottom of theirs.

Cowboys 31 Cardinals 13

New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06:  (L-R) Tom Brady #12, Wes Welker #83 and Aaron Hernandez #85 of the New England Patriots celebrate after Welker scored a touchdown in the third quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: (L-R) Tom Brady #12, Wes Welker #83 and Aaron Hernandez #85 of the New England Patriots celebrate after Welker scored a touchdown in the third quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro

Now that the Patriots are in the playoffs, they need to stay healthy the rest of the way while trying to get home field advantage. Playing Buffalo helps. An improved team that will keep the Patriots sharp enough but not exert them as much as the games they have played recently.

Patriots 24 Bills 16

San Francisco 49ers @ Saint Louis Rams

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05:  Runningback Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams walks off the field during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Ca
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Runningback Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams walks off the field during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Ca

At 5-9, the Niners are still within reach of the best record in the NFC West as they switch starting quarterbacks yet again. The Rams could have taken over the division last week, but lost. This is a game they must win.

Rams 23 49ers 17

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Detroit Lions @ Miami Dolphins

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 19:  Quarterback Chad Henne #7 and Lineman Jake Long#77 of the Miami Dolphins throws against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Bills defeated the Dolphins 17-14.  (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty
MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Chad Henne #7 and Lineman Jake Long#77 of the Miami Dolphins throws against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Bills defeated the Dolphins 17-14. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty

The Dolphins slim playoff hopes are on life support, while the young Lions play hard each week. This could come down to a field goal in overtime.

Dolphins 16 Lions 13

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns

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BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05:  Michael Oher #74 of the Baltimore Ravens blocks against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland.  (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Michael Oher #74 of the Baltimore Ravens blocks against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Now that Pittsburgh won Thursday, the onus is on the Ravens to win as well in order to remain tied for first place in the AFC North.

Ravens 27 Browns 17

Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 13:  Mike Vrabel #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - AUGUST 13: Mike Vrabel #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

KC needs to win in order to maintain their one game lead in the AFC West. Tennessee gave up weeks ago after quarterback Vince Young quit on them yet again.

Chiefs 24 Titans 20

Washington Redskins @ Jacksonville Jaguars

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MIAMI - AUGUST 17:  Running back Rashard Jennings #23 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks for room to run against the Miami Dolphins during a preseason game at Landshark Stadium on August 17, 2009 in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)
MIAMI - AUGUST 17: Running back Rashard Jennings #23 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks for room to run against the Miami Dolphins during a preseason game at Landshark Stadium on August 17, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Star halfback Maurice Jones-Drew is listed as doubtful, which is a huge blow to a Jaguars team who relies on him so heavily and needs to win here for a chance at winning their division. Luckily, they are facing a mess of a team in the Washington Redskins.

Jaguars 27 Redskins 24

New York Jets @ Chicago Bears

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 20:  Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears is congrtaulated by Greg Olsen #82 after scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium on December 20, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Photo by Matthew Stockma
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 20: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears is congrtaulated by Greg Olsen #82 after scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium on December 20, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockma

The Jets showed a lot of heart winning last week against Pittsburgh. They are still fighting for their playoff lives, but may have to do it without quarterback Mark Sanchez. The youngster has a tear in his shoulder, and it is hard to see the Jets risking his career by letting him play.

Chicago rebounded from a butt kicking two weeks ago to smash the Vikings last week and take a commanding two game lead of the NFC North. Now they are focused on trying to gain home field advantage, though that is unlikely.

Bears 17 Jets 16

Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02:  Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball 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: Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Two last place teams play 60 minutes then go home.

Texans 31 Broncos 21

Indianapolis Colts @ Oakland Raiders

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 19: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

While the Raiders have a faint chance of still winning the AFC West, Peyton Manning continues to defy the odds and keep a pretty lousy Colts team in playoff contention.

Colts 23 Raiders 21

San Diego Chargers @ Cincinnati Bengals

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16:  Wide receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego,
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Wide receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego,

The Bolts keep charging to the AFC West crown, so winning here is vital. The Bengals only story is wondering which of their two big mouthed has-been wide receivers will complain next.

Chargers 34 Bengals 21

Seattle Seahawks @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 05:  Running back LeGarrette Blount #27 and receiver Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate Blount's touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Tampa, Florida
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 05: Running back LeGarrette Blount #27 and receiver Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate Blount's touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Tampa, Florida

Though the Buccaneers 2010 playoff dreams are done, they still are a pesky squad who will not roll over. Seattle is tied for first place in the NFC West, so winning here is vital.

Buccaneers 21 Seahawks 17

New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19:  Kenny Phillips #21 of the New York Giants against the Philadelphia Eagles at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Kenny Phillips #21 of the New York Giants against the Philadelphia Eagles at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Game of the Week

The Packers are fighting for their playoff lives, so quarterback Aaron Rodgers returns from the concussion that put him on the bench two weeks ago. Since the Packers running game is not very good, they need to to be as sharp as he was before the injury.

The Giants blew a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter last week before losing the game and the opportunity to lead the NFC East. They face a tough Packers defense while trying to stay a game ahead of Green Bay in the Wild Card chase.

This could be a classic.

Giants 23 Packers 21

Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles

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LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 15:  Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with team mate Mike McGlynn #77 after throwing his teams first touchdown against the Washington Redskins on November 15, 2010 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.  (Photo b
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 15: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with team mate Mike McGlynn #77 after throwing his teams first touchdown against the Washington Redskins on November 15, 2010 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. (Photo b

Philadelphia keeps cruising over a Vikings team that quit long ago.

Eagles 27   Vikings 10

New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons

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SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19:  Wide receiver Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons runs a pass route against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Wide receiver Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons runs a pass route against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

This should be the best NFL game that ESPN broadcasts on Monday Night Football in 2010.

These teams met in the third week, where the Falcons won a back and forth contest 27-24 in overtime. Atlanta is also undefeated at home this year, and has the best record in the NFL. New Orleans has dropped two of their four losses on the road this season.

Add to Falcons star wide receiver Roddy White's unexpected smack talk on the Saints this week, these division rivals are headed for a violent collision. The Saints are still alive in dreams of winning the NFC South, but the Falcons will bury that thought if they win.

The one thing Atlanta does is hang onto the football better than New Orleans, yet also execute a more balanced offense. If the Saints shut down White, Atlanta may struggle.

Falcons 31 Saints 30

Power Rankings

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19:  Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks to pass against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won the game 3
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 19: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks to pass against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Patriots won the game 3

1. Patriots
2. Falcons
3. Eagles
4. Steelers
5. Ravens
6. Giants
7. Saints
8. Bears
9. Jets
10. Packers
11. Chiefs
12. Jaguars
13. Colts

14. Chargers
15. Buccaneers
16. Rams
17. Seahawks
18. Dolphins
19. Raiders
20. Redskins
21. Texans
22. Browns
23. Cowboys
24. Vikings
25. Titans
26. Lions
27. Bengals
28. Bills
29. Broncos
30. 49ers
31. Cardinals
32. Panthers

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