NFL Week 16 Picks: Predicting Teams Due for a Loss

Much like we saw last week with the Green Bay Packers, you can only win for so long. And with winning in the NFL becoming so difficult, getting on a hot-streak eventually turns into a question of, "how long can they last?"

Well, the following teams are all due for a loss and have a win streak of at least three games. 

Seattle Seahawks (vs. 49ers)

Seattle is on quite a roll after having won three straight, including five of their last six games.

However, that all comes to an end this week at home against San Francisco. The 49ers suffered a major setback at Arizona in Week 14 and then responded with a big win over Pittsburgh on Monday in Week 15.

It's arguably one of the more impressive response wins this season and Frisco is rolling with confidence. Here, we see a battle of two underrated RBs in San Fran's Frank Gore and Seattle's Marshawn Lynch.

Both are downhill runners that are hard to tackle, the only difference being the 49ers No. 1 ranked rush defense against Seattle's No. 11 ranked rush defense.

Also, the 49ers have the capability to throw the ball effectively when needed, whereas Seattle, not so much. Include return specialist Ted Ginn who burned Seattle in Week 1 and Frisco has a major edge.

49ers over Seahawks.

San Diego Chargers (at Lions)

The Chargers may be hitting their late season surge once again, but unfortunately it's about one game too late. In addition to that, don't expect a road win over Detroit in Week 16.

The Lions are still vying for a playoff spot themselves and are in with a win. So, expect San Diego to bring everything in order to prevent Detroit from making the playoffs. 

Unfortunately, the Bolts don't have anyone who can cover WR Calvin Johnson, much like the situation with the Oakland Raiders. The Bolts will have to double team him which opens up the field for the Lions solid TEs in Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Schleffler.

Also, the Lions have a better pass defense than given credit for, and although Philip Rivers will have success, it won't be nearly to the extent as he did against Jacksonville, Buffalo and Baltimore.

Detroit has a potential pass rush and is gaining confidence with every win, in addition to playing physical football. The Chargers inconsistent rushing attack (like it's been all season) is obviously hit-and-miss.

Well, the concern in this game is how they can keep pace with Detroit's high-flying offense? They will for the most part, but much like the Raiders, slip at the end.

Lions over Chargers.

Arizona Cardinals (at Bengals)

Arizona comes into Cincinnati on a four-game win streak and has won six-of-seven games to keep their dim playoff hopes alive.

Unfortunately, all that comes to an end against the Bengals.

Cincinnati's solid defense will double Larry Fitzgerald and force their other less-established receiving targets to beat them. Also, the Bengals balanced offense will control the game tempo to force the Cardinals into being one-dimensional.

Arizona's pass defense has significantly improved, but the Bengals have been more consistent on offense all season and have a more potent passing attack.

After rookie WR AJ Green, the Bengals also have a stud TE in Jermaine Gresham and a solid No. 2 WR in Jerome Simpson. It's the Cardinals' LBs who've had trouble in coverage, not their secondary so expect a big game from Gresham.

The Cincinnati defense will shutdown any ground game the Cards try, and taking Fitzgerald out will only make things easier.

Bengals over Cardinals.

New Orleans Saints (vs. Falcons)

It's a long-shot, but other than Green Bay, if there's any team with a shot at beating the New Orleans Saints it's the Atlanta Falcons.

Atlanta's rushing attack will keep the Saints offense off the field and Matt Ryan will shred the Saints pass defense (ranked No. 28, allow 256.1 per game) like everyone else has all season long. To some extent, the Falcons have nothing to lose in this game.

They need just one more win to clinch a playoff berth, but they may clinch before kickoff on Monday night because teams like Seattle, Chicago and Arizona could all lose. As for New Orleans, it's a little edgy since San Fran remains in the running for the NFC's No. 2 seed, so they'll be a little hesitant this time around.

Plus, the Falcons want to avenge their late game woes from before, so expect The Dirty Birds to play with a ton of attitude. Drew Brees will get blitzed constantly and forced into making quicker decisions than normal.

It's definitely a close game because the Saints are just that good, however, Atlanta steals one in The Big Easy because they're under less pressure and the offense plays flawless against a susceptible Saints defense.

Falcons over Saints.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27