NFL Week 16 Predictions: Toddler-Style

"You are not average."

That's the message I had to give my son all week. He was disappointed in the 8-7 finish after last week's picks (somehow we missed the Titans-Texans game).

I had to preach the bright side to the boy. The Bengals shouldn't have won. Who saw that coming? And he had Kansas City in the bag and then...well, you saw what happened.

After two weeks of picking games, Walden's mark is 8-9. My son's not a loser either. So after a few father-son talks, a tickle session, a few rounds of stack the blocks, and breakfast, he pulled up a chair, settled in, and made his picks. But I must admit, Christmas is six days away and he is seriously distracted.

If you've missed the last few weeks, the premise is simple.

The way this system works is Dad, that's me, writes the teams on a piece of paper.

Example: "Ravens at Cowboys"

Then I hand my son the crayon and he makes his selection. The selection is determined by how long he lingers and scribbles on one team's name or the other.

Got it? Good, let's begin.

Colts at Jacksonville

Okay, just like last week, we got a late start. These late-season Thursday night games are tough. Trust me, he didn't know the outcome. Second straight week he's loved the Colts. He's a fan of Peyton. You should see the kid's pinpoint accuracy.

Walden's pick: Colts

Steelers at Titans

A lot is riding on this game and Walden acknowledges its importance. He went against the Steelers last week, but it appears he hasn't learned his lesson.

Walden's pick: Titans

Dolphins at Chiefs

The Dolphins are favored by four on the road. Last week's close game against the Chargers doesn't help the Chiefs' line much this week. What does that say about the Chargers? I think I've got a Kansas City fan on my hands. Two straight weeks...

Walden's pick: Chiefs

Cardinals at Patriots

Teams bounce back often after losing a game in which they looked awful, but they don't necessarily do it on the road. The Cardinals looked bored last Sunday against the Vikings and now they travel west-to-east to take on the Patriots. The Patriots still look old on defense. Walden's feeling good about this one. He's got more guts than I do.

Walden's pick: Cardinals

Bengals at Browns

This time of the year there's always a handful of games that mean absolutely nothing to anyone. 1,2,3,4 what are we playing for? Walden, as I mentioned last week, usually will always favor animals.

Walden's pick: Bengals

Eagles at Redskins

Okay, I'm sure you heard last week while President Bush was in Iraq, a protester threw a shoe at him. On the surface this is kind of funny and while our President's decisions can be debated, we always know he's good for a one-liner. Bush said, "All I can report is it is a size 10." So what's the big deal? Well in that country, throwing a shoe at someone is seen as the ultimate disrespect.

Walden threw his mother's shoe at this game. Remember that pinpoint accuracy I mentioned? It hit the Eagles. If that's not a pick, I don't know what is.

Walden's pick: Redskins

49ers at Rams

Game of no consequence number two. 49ers are favored by 5 1/2. What is it with home dogs this week? Dogs, rams—it's all the same. Walden likes 'em.

Walden's pick: Rams

Falcons at Vikings

Let me just say I hate this pick, nor do I endorse it.

Walden's pick: Vikings

Saints at Lions

Detroit's running out of time if they expect to escape immortality. You take a guess who Walden picked. Yep.

Walden's pick: Lions

Panthers at Giants

The Giants have looked rough the last few weeks, but they're favored by three. This game is important to both teams. I think the Giants are too good to lose three straight. But that's me. You aren't here for my opinions, I know.

Walden's pick: Giants

Jets at Seahawks

Holmgren's last home game. Favre against his old mentor. A lot of story lines here for a team that had virtually none all season. Guess what, another home-dog-animal team. You'll notice a pattern here.

Walden's pick: Seahawks

Texans at Raiders

Houston is favored by 7 1/2. Someone knows something. Walden spit his apple out when he saw the game and the line. Something doesn't feel right here.

Walden's pick: Raiders

Bills at Broncos

Not much to say here.

Walden's pick: Broncos

Chargers at Buccaneers

Walden is such a kind child. He's not holding any grudges against San Diego for spoiling his upset special.

Walden's pick: Chargers

Ravens at Cowboys

The boy's upset that he will be in bed when this one comes on. I don't think he likes the Cowboys much. He didn't pick 'em last week and this week, well he's heard enough from me about how the Falcons need the Cowboys to lose.

Walden's pick: Ravens

Packers at Bears

He's 1-0 on Monday night.

Walden's pick: Packers

I'm going to have to nickname Walden "The Riverboat Gambler," because he's taking some huge risks this week.

Maybe he knows something I don't. Perhaps he emailed Danny Sheridan.

This could be the week that makes him famous.