NFL Week 16 Predictions: Quarterbacks Who Are Bound To Struggle

I'm not gonna lie, having NFL football on Christmas Eve is pretty awesome. Especially seeing as how there's never anything to do on Christmas Eve.

I'm speaking for those of us who prefer to avoid our families, of course. To this end, having a full slate of NFL action to take in will come in handy.

My only worry is that we're going to see some lousy football being played, as all teams will be playing on short rest. Specifically, I have my concerns that the quarterback play just isn't going to be up to par.

Sadly, there are four quarterbacks that I know are going to struggle this weekend. Let's discuss them one by one.

4. John Skelton, Arizona Cardinals

Per ESPN.com's Adam Schefter, Kevin Kolb is still recovering from his most recent concussion, and that leaves the door open for John Skelton to make yet another start.

Cardinals fans should be just fine with this, as Skelton has been pretty good in relief of Kolb for the most part.

My advice is not to get your hopes up for Skelton against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. The Bengals have an above-average pass defense, and they will use it to make life tough for Skelton.

It doesn't help that Skelton hasn't been nearly as effective on the road, throwing seven interceptions and just three touchdowns. All three came in one game, and it was when Skelton came on in relief of Kolb against the Philadelphia Eagles.

At best, Skelton will be mediocre. At worst, Cardinals fans will be missing Kolb.

3. Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks

Not many people have noticed, but Tarvaris Jackson has been pretty solid in the last three weeks. Coincidentally, the Seahawks have won all three games they've played.

But much of Jackson's success can be attributed to the tear that Marshawn Lynch has been on lately. If Lynch is stopped, Jackson will be thrust into the spotlight, and will ultimately be exposed.

The San Francisco 49ers are the perfect team for the job. They're not going to let Lynch go into Beast Mode, and they are going to get after Jackson early and often. Jackson can expect to be more familiar with Aldon Smith than he would like.

In the end, we're going to remember that Tarvaris Jackson really isn't anything better than a decent NFL quarterback.

2. Seneca Wallace, Cleveland Browns

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Colt McCoy isn't even going to make the trip to Baltimore when the Browns hit the road to take on the Ravens.

Seneca Wallace will have to go in his stead, but he's probably going to wish he got to stay at home, too. Playing the Ravens is fun for no quarterback, much less a career backup.

After a loss like the one they just suffered in San Diego, the Ravens are going to leave nothing to chance. They're going to put the heat on Wallace, and they're going to leave him with a few bruises before the game is over. 

Wallace is going to miss sitting on the bench where he belongs.

1. Kellen Clemens, St. Louis Rams

The Rams passed along word via their official Twitter account on Thursday that neither Sam Bradford nor A.J. Feeley were able to practice.

That means the signs are pointing towards Kellen Clemens getting the start against the Pittsburgh Steelers and their No. 1 pass defense on Saturday.

Yikes.

To be fair, Clemens was pretty good in his first start of the season against the Cincinnati Bengals. But that was at home, and he compiled merely decent numbers despite being given 36 throws.

The Rams may have no choice but to turn Clemens loose against the Steelers, but don't expect similar results.