NFL Week 16 Picks: Denver Broncos and More Teams That Will Bounce Back

While the playoff picture is far from set, every one of these teams will be a part of it. You may not know it in the case of a few of them, but they will be there.

Every one of these teams has something significant to play for over the remainder of the season. All of them had a little hiccup last week. Fortunately, they get a short week to recover.

That will be a good thing. What will also be good is that they are all in favorable matchups. 

Denver Broncos

While Sunday made it abundantly clear that the 2011 Broncos aren't an elite team, they don't need to be to win the AFC West or top the Bills. Buffalo hasn't won since Ryan Fitzpatrick signed his contract extension, and the Broncos match up well in this game. 

Look for a heavy running attack in this one. The Broncos don't need to throw it a lot but when they do, the Bills' secondary isn't one that will take advantage of his weaknesses. 

On the other side of the ball, the Broncos will benefit from not having to face Tom Brady and the Patriots. This game will follow a similar pattern to Denver's previous wins, but it won't be quite as close.

Prediction: Broncos 23, Bills 14

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore's struggles this season have been exclusively on the road. This week, they host a weak opponent that they have already beaten on the road. The Ravens will dismantle the Browns. 

The Ravens still have a lot to play for. The AFC North title, a bye week and possibly the No. 1 seed are all still at stake for Baltimore. This week, they aren't facing a team with the kind of weapons that the Chargers have. That will show in an easy win.

Prediction: Ravens 27, Browns 6

Pittsburgh Steelers

Playing the Rams will do a lot to cure whatever ails a team. Ben Roethlisberger is clearly banged up, but the Steelers won't need him to be at his best.

Actually, the Steelers won't need Roethlisberger at all, not in this one. Their defense will be far too much for the Rams to withstand. 

A returning James Harrison will be a permanent fixture in the St. Louis backfield. The Rams will do well to score any points. 

On the other side of the ball, the Steelers aren't going against the 49ers this week. The Rams' defense won't be anywhere near as hard to run on, or for Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown to make big plays against.

Prediction: Steelers 30, Rams 6

New York Jets

The Jets' defense will do a better job containing Eli Manning than any teams in the past have done. So the game is going to come down to the Jets' rushing offense against the Giants' run defense. The advantage there rests with the Jets.

When that doesn't happen, Plaxico Burress will be out for revenge against his former team. Mark Sanchez will find him and Santonio Holmes against a depleted Giants secondary.

Darrelle Revis and the Jets defense will do a good job containing the Giants' receivers. Neither of these teams could be confused for being consistent, but the advantage rests with the Jets in this one. 

Prediction: Jets 20, Giants 14

Follow @mdixon1985