NFL Week 16 Predictions: Projecting the Week's Top Defenses

The 2011 NFL season has seen quite a few close calls on the scoreboard. And because of both teams' strengths clashing for 60-plus minutes, it's no surprise how many nail-biters there have been.

Week 16 will be a telling week as five playoff spots still remain unclaimed, however teams like Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Green Bay and New Orleans have already clinched. That being said, thanks to some favorable matchups we get to see some playoff defenses do work this week.

For those who can't wait until January, Week 16's top defenses will suffice for now.

Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Rams)

Pittsburgh may have dropped one in the Bay Area, however the defense gets the St. Louis Rams this week.

Despite the Week 15 loss, the Steelers still remain one of the NFL's best defenses whereas the Rams are arguably the NFL's worst offense. Other than RB Steven Jackson and WR Brandon Lloyd, St. Louie's offense is unbearable to watch.

Fortunately for Pittsburgh, this game will help regain their confidence for the playoffs. If St. Louis is to have any shot at moving the ball, they must keep it on the ground. Jackson is their best player (by far) and feeding him early will at least force Pittsburgh to defend both dimensions.

As for the passing game, Lloyd will see double coverage but not throughout. He's an above-average NFL target at best, however with no help around him in the receiving game, he'll be bracketed more often.

Hence, a zone-coverage look on his side whereas all other targets are in man coverage. Let's put it this way: The Steelers aren't going to respect the St. Louis passing game and are expecting to get QB pressure every time the Rams drop back.

Avert your eyes if you're a Rams fan.

Steelers over Rams

Baltimore Ravens (vs. Browns)

The Baltimore Ravens may have slipped up once again on the road, but this week they get the Cleveland Browns. This time around, however, it's at home.

On the year Baltimore is 7-0 at home and has defended their turf quite well even against some of the NFL's elites (Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Houston). Unfortunately for Cleveland, their offense is arguably worse than St. Louis.

The Ravens still rank in the top five against the pass and rush, while the Browns are lucky to have the No. 22-ranked passing game despite lacking any well-established receivers. As for this game, Cleveland doesn't have anyone who can stretch the field, so anticipate Baltimore playing press coverage.

In addition, the box will be stacked to shut down RB Peyton Hillis among others while also blitzing with relenting force. The Ravens already have a major edge, but they can widen that gap by getting QB pressure.

Cleveland's only real chance is if their special teams and defense play flawlessly, because their offense will be lucky to get five first downs by halftime.

Expect turnovers forced and confusion created, as Baltimore is one of the more risky defenses in the league.

Ravens over Browns

San Francisco 49ers (at Seahawks)

Week 16 has an interesting matchup out of the NFC West between the 49ers and Seahawks.

Both teams have a punishing RB that is hard to tackle, runs downhill (with a presenting force of nature) and is the focal point of their offense. The only difference, however, is their run defenses.

This season Seattle ranks a solid No. 11 against the run and allows just over 106 yards per game. Well, the Pittsburgh Steelers are better than that and Frank Gore did some impressive damage last week.

As for San Francisco, they have the NFL's No. 1-ranked rush defense and allow only 71.5 yards per game. Additionally, they have yet to allow a rushing TD this season and they've already gone up against Marshawn Lynch once before.

Way back in Week 1 the 49ers held Lynch to just 33 yards on 13 carries. Now, he'll surely do better than that this time around, however, it won't be much more. Seattle still struggles in the passing game and although Frisco ranks No. 21 against the pass, they've significantly improved as the season has progressed.

Expect the Niners to load the box to shut down Lynch while playing man coverage elsewhere. Forcing QB Tarvaris Jackson to outplay Alex Smith and Frank Gore gives San Fran a major advantage because Jackson relies more on Lynch than Smith does on Gore.

49ers over Seahawks

Green Bay Packers (vs. Bears)

Last week the Green Bay Packers may have played a down game, but the defense did only allow 19 points. Now yes, it was the Kansas City Chiefs, however lest we forget QB Kyle Orton had already played the Cheese earlier in the year while with the Denver Broncos.

So, not only did Orton know the Packers but he had a better receiving corps and just as good of a ground game to rely on.

This week though, the Packers get to host the banged-up Chicago Bears offense. The only team comparable to Chicago's injuries would be the Houston Texans; that's how rough it's been in The Windy City the past few weeks.

As for this game, expect the Bears to run the ball, but Green Bay will be geared toward defending the pass as their coverage is the weakest link. The Packers needs to improve at defending anyone right now, because it's clearly affected how they struggle in stopping the run.

Fortunately for Green Bay, Chicago also has lost a lot of confidence; otherwise the Bears wouldn't be on a four-game losing streak. Here, the Packers play a physical game and regain some confidence of their own in preparation for the postseason.

Not relying on turnovers, Green Bay's defense stops the run and gets some solid QB pressure without having to constantly blitz.

Packers over Bears

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