NFL WEEK 16 PRIMER
Falcons (4-10) at Chiefs (13-1)
TV: 1 ET Sunday, Fox
Betmgm.com line: Chiefs by 10 1⁄
2 Chiefs’ keys: Look for Patrick Mahomes to stick to the typical game script: get the ball to WR Tyreek Hill and TE Travis Kelce. Falcons’ keys: The Falcons have held opponents to fewer than 20 points in four of their past five games, but Kansas City hasn't scored fewer than 20 since Week 5 of the 2019 season.
– Charles Goldman, Chiefs Wire
Browns (10-4) at Jets (1-13)
TV: 1 ET Sunday, CBS
Betmgm.com line: Browns by 9 1⁄
2 Browns’ keys: Slot WR Jarvis Landry is poised to be next to have a field day against the Jets' lackluster defensive backs. Jets keys to victory: They have to stop the Browns' bulldozing duo of RBS Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. QB Sam Darnold must take advantage of a weak pass defense.
– Gary Phillips, Jets Wire
Colts (10-4) at Steelers (11-3)
TV: 1 ET Sunday, CBS
Betmgm.com line: Colts by 2
Colts’ keys: When QB Philip Rivers is on the same page with his skill players like RB Nyheim Hines and WR T.Y. Hilton, the offense provides excellent balance to go with a stubborn defense.
Steelers’ keys: They must run the ball successfully. Pittsburgh must also test the Colts' secondary. – Curt Popejoy. Steelers Wire
Bears (7-7) at Jaguars (1-13)
TV: 1 ET Sunday, CBS
Betmgm.com line: Bears by 7 1⁄
2
Jaguars’ keys: The availability of RB James Robinson (ankle) could lead to things falling on QB Gardner Minshew II, who returned to the starting role but had an uneventful showing. Bears’ keys: They need to keep Minshew in the pocket; it will be a matter of remaining disciplined on the edge.
– James Johnson, Jags Wire
Giants (5-9) at Ravens (9-5)
TV: 1 ET Sunday, Fox
Betmgm.com line: Ravens by 10 1⁄
2 Giants’ keys: Hit on big plays early and often. Attacking the middle of the field with quick passes should allow New York to keep drives alive.
Ravens’ keys: They will have to stick with the rushing attack but also will need QB Lamar Jackson to take advantage of a porous secondary.
– Matthew Stevens, Ravens Wire
Bengals (3-10-1) at Texans (4-10)
TV: 1 ET Sunday, Fox
Betmgm.com line: Texans by 8
Bengals’ keys: If Cincinnati can stay patient, WRS A.J. Green, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd should be able to find soft spots in the zone or beat man coverage.
Texans’ keys: DE JJ Watt must find ways to generate pressure. QB Deshaun Watson's talent alone should be a difference-maker.
– Mark Lane, Texans Wire
Panthers (4-10) at Washington (6-8)
TV: 4:05 ET Sunday, CBS
Betmgm.com line: Washington by 2 Panthers’ keys: The availability of star RB Christian Mccaffrey. Carolina also will need to rely on QB Teddy Bridgewater to pick up the production. Washington’s keys: The game plan shapes up based on who starts at quarterback and whether RB Antonio Gibson (toe) is back.
– Zachary Neel, Washington Wire
Broncos (5-9) at Chargers (5-9)
TV: 4:05 ET Sunday, CBS
Betmgm.com line: Chargers by 3 1⁄
2 Broncos’ keys: They need to rely on RBS Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay against a run defense that has been mostly inconsistent.
Chargers’ keys: To avoid Denver's fearsome pass rush and mask LA'S suspect Oline, QB Justin Herbert will need a lot of play-actions and rollouts.
– Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire
Rams (9-5) at Seahawks (10-4)
TV: 4:25 ET Sunday, Fox
Betmgm.com line: Seahawks by 1 1⁄
2 Rams’ keys: QB Jared Goff and the O-line will have to be on the lookout for Seattle's rush and S Jamal Adams in particular. Seahawks’ keys: The run game has gotten stronger with RB Rashaad Penny, who was activated in Week 15. Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde and Penny should form a formidable 1-2-3 punch.
– Liz Mathews, Seahawks Wire
Eagles (4-9-1) at Cowboys (5-9)
TV: 4:25 ET Sunday, Fox
Betmgm.com line: Eagles by 2 1⁄
2
Eagles’ keys: QB Jalen Hurts and RB Miles Sanders are a potent duo who should be able to gouge a porous run defense. Cowboys’ keys: They got the secondary whole after many injuries. WR Amari Cooper's matchup with CB Darius Slay – if he comes out of concussion protocol – would be scintillating.
– K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire
Titans (10-4) at Packers (11-3)
TV: 8:20 ET Sunday, NBC
Betmgm.com line: Packers by 3 1⁄
2 Titans’ keys: Dominate in the run game with Derrick Henry, get big plays off play-action and disrupt Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers. Henry could be a handful in the cold.
Packers’ keys: The Packers must find ways to get WRS Davante Adams and Marquez ValdesScantling more involved.
– Zach Kruse, Packers Wire
Bills (11-3) at Patriots (6-8)
TV: 8:15 ET Monday, ESPN
Betmgm.com line: Bills by 7
Bills’ keys: Run the ball, plus with an increased emphasis on the passing attack. QB Josh Allen, WR Stefon Diggs and RB Zach Moss should all get heavy work.
Patriots’ keys: They nearly beat the Bills in Week 8 with excellent running efficiency and ball security.
– Henry Mckenna, Patriots Wire