NFL Week 16 Picks: Adrian Peterson Will Lead Vikings to Narrow Win

In a game between two complete non-factors, Adrian Peterson will lead the Minnesota Vikings to a narrow victory over the Washington Redskins.

Week 16 is full of exciting games between teams jockeying for playoff position. While playoff position definitely isn't on the line in this game, Minnesota is still in the running for the No. 1 draft pick in April. They'll destroy those chances today with a victory over lowly Washington.

Peterson will lead them in that victory despite being banged up with a high ankle sprain. Here's how the game will go down.

A Defensive Struggle in the Beginning

Defense will be paramount in the beginning of the game, as both teams struggle to protect their pride nearing the end of a disappointing season.

While both defenses have been average overall, each has the talent necessary to play well. The Vikings still have playmaking defensive end Jared Allen, who is closing in on Michael Strahan's sacks in a season record. However, that individual success has not resulted in team success.

The Redskins also have a playmaker on defense in DeAngelo Hall, who despite having a good season at cornerback (85 tackles, three interceptions) was so disgusted with his own play that he actually said the team should cut him.

Both of these playmakers have had a decent individual season but have had little impact on their teams. Their pride will help them lead their teams to keep it close in the beginning stages.

Grossman Strikes First

Ultimately, Rex Grossman will strike first for the Washington Redskins, leading his team down the field for a score in the second quarter.

The Minnesota Vikings pass defense has been porous all season, allowing 260 yards per game through air. They haven't been getting turnovers either as they've intercepted six passes all year, none of which has come in the last nine games.

Grossman will have success against the Vikings in the first half but it will ultimately only result in one score. The Redskins quarterback will make a mistake (fumble, interception, etc.) that keeps the 'Skins out of the endzone the second time. Grossman has accounted for at least one turnover in every game this season.

Redskins Rushing Attack Is Shut Down by Vikings

Despite their inabilities to defend the pass (30th in the NFL), the Minnesota Vikings have done a bang-up job against the run. Their top ten run defense will completely stuff any Washington Redskin attempt to run the ball.

Washington, while they have been able to throw the ball, ranks 29th in the NFL in rushing yards per game with less than 100. The combination of running backs Roy Helu and Tim Hightower has been very ineffective, rushing for just three touchdowns all season long.

The Vikings run defense will dominate this poor Redskins rushing attack, forcing Washington to look to the inconsistent Rex Grossman to win the game.

Ponder Will Struggle to Make a Difference

Christian Ponder will make the Washington Redskins' mediocre pass defense (14th in the NFL) look a lot better than it really is as he struggle to be effective in this game.

Ponder, who hasn't been that bad for a rookie (over 1,700 yards passing, 13 touchdowns), has struggled with decision making at times, completing just 55 percent of his passing and throwing 12 interceptions.

He'll get some yards in this game and even one touchdown pass (he's has at least two in the last three games), but it won't be enough to win the game for this team. He'll make too many offsetting mistakes.

Peterson Will Shoulder the Vikings Late

With the help of the Vikings rushing defense and the No. 2 back Toby Gerhart, Adrian Peterson will run the ball in the fourth quarter, carrying the Vikings to the win.

Despite having less carries this season than any other, Peterson has had his highest yards per carry average since 2008 with 4.8. He's also rushed for nearly 1,000 yards in just 11 games while getting less than 20 carries per game.

Peterson is hurt, but he's also a gamer and the leader of this football team. The Vikings will have saved him for the fourth quarter and he'll probably still have less than ten carries heading into it. He'll be somewhat rested and will run over the Redskins' defense, keeping the ball away from them in route to a score and a big win.