NFL Week 16 Picks: Predictions for Every Major Showdown on the Schedule

Let's run down some quick predictions for the biggest games in Week 16 of the NFL season: 

New York Giants (7-7) vs. New York Jets (8-6)

After losing Jim Leonard for the season and watching the Philadelphia Eagles throttle them to the tune of 45 points, can the Jets really say that their defense is significantly better than the Giants'?

On Sunday, that answer better be yes, because that's the only way I see the Jets pulling this game off. I like the Giants to bounce back, setting up a Week 17 showdown to decide the NFC East.

Giants 27, Jets 20

San Diego Chargers (7-7) at Detroit Lions (9-5)

Both teams are going to feel the pressure to win this game on Sunday. The Chargers need a victory to keep their hopes of sneaking into the playoffs as the representative of the AFC West alive. Meanwhile, another Lions win clinches a postseason spot.

Detroit doesn't want to go to Lambeau Field in Week 17 and need a win, even though some nine-win scenarios still give the Lions a playoff spot. In the end, however, I think the Chargers dig the Lions a hole early that even Matthew Stafford can't climb out of. 

Chargers 30, Lions 24 

Philadelphia Eagles (6-8) at Dallas Cowboys (8-6)

Jerry Jones said this week that he is "fearful" of the Eagles, and he's got every reason to be: Philadelphia is starting to catch fire, and there is still scenarios where they could get into the postseason.

The first step in those scenarios is for them to beat the Cowboys in Jerry's World. As long as the Eagles keep the Cowboys' pass rush off Michael Vick, Philadelphia should make the NFC East race very interesting.

Eagles 28, Cowboys 24

Atlanta Falcons (9-5) at New Orleans Saints (11-3)

The Monday night matchup between the Falcons and Saints should be the week's best game. Both these teams are playing as well as they have all season, and there is division implications on the line.

A win for the Falcons could really put pressure on the Saints in Week 17, but—let's be honest—Atlanta's pass defense isn't stopping Drew Brees right now. He's playing too well. Another big performance on a national stage will continue his MVP push.

Saints 38, Falcons 28