NFL's Week 16 Pick'em: Titans and Giants Keep Falling!

By Derek Lofland

The 2008 NFL regular season is coming to an end, and most playoff spots are still up for the taking. This week, there are a few games that will determine who grabs them, and who gets eliminated.

The Packers were eliminated last Sunday, but teams like the Chargers are hoping for a miracle finish. Also, there are teams that are fighting for a first round bye week and home field advantage through the playoffs. Such is the case in the Steelers-Titans and Giants-Panthers games.

My 2008 record after 14 weeks is 149-74.

Baltimore (9-5) at Dallas (9-5)

The games just keep getting tougher for both the Cowboys and the Steelers. The Cowboys will struggle to score points in this game, but since Wade Phillips has been calling the defensive plays, the Cowboys have returned to being a good defense. They had eight sacks against the Giants and lead the NFL in that category. I look for the Cowboys to get to Joe Flacco and win another tough, physical game.

Winner: Dallas

Pittsburgh (11-3) at Tennessee (12-2)

I might have leaned toward Tennessee if they were playing their entire defensive line. I don’t think they’re good enough to beat the Steelers without Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch.

I look for the Steelers defense to be able to shut down the Titans' running game, force Kerry Collins into a few picks, and to score just enough points to win another close game. It would be nice to see the Steelers offense do something against a short-handed Tennessee defense.

Winner: Pittsburgh

Arizona (8-6) at New England (9-5)

New England keeps finding ways to win games. The Cardinals do not beat good teams. They don’t play well on the road. It is going to be cold in New England on Sunday, a lot colder than what the Cardinals are used to. Arizona has nothing to play for, and New England has their season to play for. I look for the Patriots to take this game.

Winner: New England

Atlanta (9-5) at Minnesota (9-5)

Minnesota is a team that is peaking at the right time. Since starting 0-2, they have rebounded to go 9-3 and are winners of their last four games. Atlanta has struggled to stop the run, which isn’t a good thing with Adrian Peterson coming to town. I look for Peterson to have a big game, and I look for Minnesota to take another step toward clinching the division.

Winner: Minnesota

Carolina (11-3) at New York Giants (11-3)

Carolina is another tough team to pick against. They have won seven of their last eight and are in firm control of the NFC South. If they win this game, they can clinch home field throughout the playoffs.

The Giants haven’t looked the same without Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress. I think the Giants will still be a force in the playoffs, but I think the Panthers go up there and win this game.

Winner: Carolina

And the rest...