NFL Picks Week 16: 4 Naughty Teams That Could Give Coal to Playoff Contenders

Christmas eve in 2011 brings with it a special treat: A full slate of NFL games. There are four naughty teams that could give coal as a gift to playoff contenders who are trying to finish the season on a high note heading into the postseason.

These four teams don't have much left to play for after a dismal season full of disappointments and hard knocks. They do have one thing left to accomplish this season, though. They can be spoilers to others' success, which can give these losing teams something to puff their chests about.

The odds of these four teams pulling off the upset are slim, but as you know there are slim odds that go the other way every single week in the NFL. This is why we have the phrase, "On any given Sunday."

Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens

The Cleveland Browns gave the Arizona Cardinals a run for their money in Week 15, taking the game into overtime, and the young team has some promising young players with which to build for the future.

In the Browns' 10 losses on the season, the team has only lost by 8.6 points a game. They are extremely competitive and scrappy, and they never give up, regardless of score or record.

The Baltimore Ravens have already shown a weakness against "inferior" opponents. Three out of the Ravens' four losses have come against the Titans, the Jaguars and the Seattle Seahawks. They are coming off of a loss to the red-hot San Diego Chargers, and the Browns would love a chance to stomp their divisional big brothers into the ground on Christmas eve.

The Ravens are too close to the finish line to allow themselves to fall into a trap game. 

Prediction: Ravens win at home in a sloppy game 17-13

Denver Broncos @ Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are the not-so-proud owners of the NFL's second-worst losing streak, having lost their last seven games. The Denver Broncos have been trending the opposite way, having won seven out of their last nine contests since inserting Tim Tebow into the starting lineup.

The game is in Buffalo, and the forecast is calling for cold temperatures and snow flurries. Either this sets up perfectly for a Bills win, or we all find out that Tebow is a stud in the snow. The thing is, it's much harder to win in the snow with a running game, and the Broncos aren't known for possessing a potent passing attack.

I'm expecting a tough go of it for the Broncos on the road in Week 16, and I believe the Bills will give the AFC West leaders all they can handle.

Prediction: Bills break the streak and win at home, putting the AFC west on high alert for Week 17. Final Score: 13-10

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are on cruise control to end the 2011 NFL season, and at 11-3 are in the drivers' seat to win the top seed in the AFC playoffs.

The Miami Dolphins are surging to finish the year, and they have made vast improvements since their abominable 0-7 start, winning five out of their last seven games.

The Dolphins' players aren't too happy about the organization's decision to fire head coach Tony Sparano, and Reggie Bush had this to say after the team's 30-23 win against Buffalo in Week 16:

"

He's a good coach, and an even better person. Couldn't be happier to be able to know a guy like coach Sparano. We all wanted to get this win for coach Sparano today. This win was for him.

"

You can bet the Dolphins haven't lost that passion and fire, and they will put it all on the line in Week 16 in an effort to knock of their hated rivals on their home turf.

Prediction: Despite all their best efforts, Miami will lose on the road to the Patriots 27-23

St. Louis Rams @ Pittsburgh Steelers

This game is the least likely out of the four to become an upset. The Rams have been one of the most pathetic teams in the NFL in 2011, and sometimes it seems they don't have enough players to put out on the field due to the insane amount of injuries the team has suffered this year.

One of the things the Rams have going for them against the Steelers is that they have already proven to be capable of beating a team with far superior talent. The Rams did beat the New Orleans Saints, if you remember, in Week 8 (never mind that the Saints have won their last six games in response).

Another thing going for the Rams is the recent news that Ben Roethlisberger will sit this game out. The Steelers will rely on the veteran arm and savvy of Charlie Batch.

One thing the Rams have going against them is that this game is on the road. Another thing they have going against them is that the Steelers are coming off an embarrassing loss in front of a national audience on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers.

Prediction: This game will be closer than many expect, though the Steelers will win at home 17-10.