NFL Picks Week 16: Underdogs Who Will Bark the Loudest

Why are they called underdogs?

Because they can come up from under you and bite you in the...well, you know.

We're headed into Week 16 of the NFL season, and some upsets could actually knock favorites out of the playoff hunt.

Here are three underdogs who will bark the loudest in Week 16.

3. Arizona Cardinals (7-7)

After losing six of their first seven games, the young Cardinals have soared back and won six of their last seven games.

Their defense is improving, and they have two wins against the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers on their current four-game winning streak.

They may not have the best quarterback situation, but the Cincinnati Bengals don't have an explosive offense, so the Cardinals may have a shot at winning another squeaker.

2. San Diego Chargers (7-7)

After enduring an ugly six-game losing streak, the Chargers have won their last three games, and their 34-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens was by far their most impressive performance of the season.

They face a Detroit Lions team in Week 16 that hasn't looked particularly sharp and just barely pulled off a one-point victory over the Oakland Raiders.

I don't expect the Chargers to win this one, but quarterback Philip Rivers is back on track and could drive the Chargers to an upset.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (6-8)

The Eagles have been a massive disappointment this season, but they've looked much better in the last two weeks and quarterback Michael Vick got back to business in Week 16 against the New York Jets.

In that game, Vick passed for 274 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while rushing for 32 yards and another touchdown. Running back LeSean McCoy continued to prove he deserves the starting running back spot for the NFC in this season's Pro Bowl, rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown. And the result was a 45-19 thrashing.

The Eagles play the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16, who have proven to be wildly inconsistent this season. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo better be in tune, because I believe the Eagles will come ready to play for this one with the playoffs still within their grasp.