Week 16 picks
The Bears’ defense is too good for them to lose to the Browns, although this should be a fairly low-scoring, close game. The Browns are respectable against the run.
The Bengals look like they’ve quit. Joe Mixon could have a decent day if he comes back, but it won’t matter in the big picture. The Lions are a better team at the moment.
The Dolphins are heading into cold weather, and they’re too inconsistent. The Chiefs are brimming with confidence after pounding the Chargers. The AFC West title gives them plenty of incentive. The Patriots are the better team, but they have their issues, which just might be exposed in the playoffs. For now, they have enough firepower to beat the decent Bills.
The Panthers have a lot of distractions and they’re not a particularly special team, but they keep finding ways to get it done. Jameis Winston will struggle against the Panthers defense.
Alvin Kamara getting hurt on the first drive the last time these teams played really hurt that offense. The Saints will be a different team this time around.
The Broncos have gotten back into their defensive groove. Teams can definitely run on that Redskins defense, so it won’t matter as much who is playing quarterback for the Broncos.
The Titans play much better at home than on the road. But the Rams are roaring after that huge win in Seattle, and they should keep the momentum rolling with the division title on the line.
Todd Bowles has done a good job for the Jets, even though he’ll probably wind up getting fired. The Chargers need to win, though, and they will in New Jersey.
Jimmy Garoppolo is playing well, and Robbie Gould is on fire. But Blake Bortles has surprised some people with his play for the Jaguars, and they have defensive muscle.
Beware a well-coached team with a bunch of pros coming off an embarrassing defeat. Pete Carroll will have his players ready, but that broken down defense…
Quarterback was the big problem for the Cardinals last week. Drew Stanton can play well enough to win this one. The Cardinals defense isn’t likely to be picked apart by Eli Manning.
The Steelers have a point to prove, and playoff incentive with a first-round bye on the line. This is a showcase game for the Steelers, and Le’Veon Bell gets the job done.
The Eagles have a proud defense that has played really well, and it was humbled by the Giants last week. That’s not good news for a deeply flawed Raiders team.